Bannon Teases Potential Iran War Escalation at CPAC

Former Trump adviser says 'decision in going forward is obviously' at Trump's discretion.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 5:34pm

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Steve Bannon, the former White House adviser to President Donald Trump, told attendees at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Texas that the Iran war may just be beginning. Bannon suggested that Trump could potentially deploy U.S. troops to seize Kharg Island, Iran's primary oil export hub, and impose a military blockade.

Why it matters

Bannon's comments at CPAC reflect the ongoing divisions within Trump's Make America Great Again movement over the prospect of escalating military action against Iran. The potential deployment of U.S. troops would mark a significant escalation of the conflict and could have major geopolitical and economic implications.

The details

In his CPAC speech, Bannon told attendees that 'the decision in going forward is obviously' at the discretion of Trump, but urged them to 'have his back' should the president decide to order military action. Bannon warned that such a move could result in American 'sons, daughters, granddaughters, grandsons' being deployed to locations like Kharg Island or the Strait of Hormuz.

  • Bannon made the comments during his March 27 speech at CPAC in Grapevine, Texas.
  • Last year, Bannon hinted that Trump could seek a third term in office, despite presidential term limits.

The players

Steve Bannon

Former White House adviser to President Donald Trump and current MAGA podcast star who recently served a four-month prison sentence and pleaded guilty to separate fraud charges.

Donald Trump

Former U.S. President whose Make America Great Again movement has been fractured by the prospect of escalating the Iran war.

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What they’re saying

“You have to be convinced that this is the right thing to do, particularly now that we're on the eve of potentially the insertion of American combat troops. Your sons, daughters, granddaughters, grandsons could be on Kharg Island or be holding a beachhead down by the Strait of Hormuz.”

— Steve Bannon, Former White House Adviser

What’s next

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The takeaway

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