Twitch streamer Hasan Piker claims Iran having nuclear weapons would make the Middle East 'more stable'

From the Newshound archive · first published 19 September 2026.

Hasan Piker sparked fresh outrage after telling Axios that a nuclear-armed Iran would produce a 'more stable' Middle East. The Twitch streamer also claimed the US had conducted 'tremendous terror' worse than al-Qaeda, drawing condemnation from politicians and commentators across the political spectrum. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Senator Ted Cruz and Democrat Representative Henry Cuellar all voiced disapproval of a planned University of Texas at Austin appearance by Piker on 30 September. MS Now hosts piled in too, saying Piker has 'never elected anybody' and is a drag on the Democratic Party.

The UT Austin student group University Democrats says the university is blocking a large venue for Piker's event, in breach of its own policies.

Democrat strategist Corbin Trent and podcast host DeVory Darkins clashed on air over whether Piker helps or harms Democratic efforts to reach voters.

MS Now hosts told Piker bluntly: 'You've never elected anybody,' accusing him of being a dead weight on the party.