Steve Bannon's backroom role? Secret talks with Trump raise questions about U.S Iran strike strategy

Time of India

4 hours ago

Trump's secret meeting with Steve Bannon fuels speculation ahead of Iran-Israel decision-
Trump's meeting with Steve Bannon at the White House just hours before announcing a delay in his decision on U.S. involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict has raised serious questions across Washington. With Trump confirming a two-week pause to assess diplomatic options, the MAGA movement is deeply split. Bannon, who opposes immediate military action, urged Trump to weigh alternatives before striking Iran's Fordo facility. The meeting, confirmed by Politico, comes as key MAGA voices either press for diplomacy or demand action. Trump's delay highlights both internal tensions and a potential opening for peace talks.
Why did Trump meet Steve Bannon just before the Iran announcement?
President Donald Trump hosted Steve Bannon—his former White House strategist and longtime MAGA ally—for a private lunch Thursday at the White House. The meeting came just hours before Trump officially delayed his decision on possible U.S. military action in response to the Iran-Israel crisis.
The White House confirmed through press secretary Karoline Leavitt that Trump would wait two more weeks before making a final call on U.S. involvement. The timing of Bannon's visit was no coincidence. Known for his firm stance against foreign entanglements, Bannon had publicly urged caution just one day earlier.
In an interview with
Politico's Playbook
, Bannon avoided specifics but shared this takeaway:
'The MAGA movement tonight is in a great place.'
What did Bannon say about military action and diplomacy?
At a Christian Science Monitor breakfast held Wednesday, Bannon issued a clear message to the president: don't rush into a strike. Referring to a potential hit on Iran's Fordo nuclear facility, Bannon warned against acting in haste.
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'This strike does not have to happen tomorrow, or the next day, or the next day,' he said, suggesting the president 'take his time and think this through with his advisers.'
Bannon emphasized that Trump has always favored diplomacy first. 'Before he turns to violence in terms of military kinetic action,' Bannon explained, 'he looks at every other alternative.'
This aligns with what Trump reportedly told Bannon during their private lunch—that he wants to explore "other alternatives" before escalating tensions.
Is the MAGA movement united on the Iran-Israel conflict?
Not quite. The MAGA base is visibly divided over how to respond to the growing tensions in the Middle East. On one side are voices like Bannon, calling for strategic patience. On the other are MAGA hardliners urging stronger U.S. backing for Israel's military campaign.
Despite the division, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) voiced support for Trump's decision to hold off, writing on X:
'I'm so glad President Trump is giving time for diplomacy to work with Iran and Israel.'
Meanwhile, conservative activist Charlie Kirk also praised the move, describing Trump's unpredictability as a strategic advantage and criticizing those who push for regime change in Iran.
Why did Trump choose another 'two-week delay'?
The phrase 'two-week delay' has become a familiar refrain in Trump's presidency. Critics note that he's used it before when facing politically sensitive issues. But this time, Trump's team insists it's a calculated move.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt pushed back against the narrative of procrastination.
'If there is a chance for diplomacy, the president will grab it,' she said. 'But he is not afraid to use strength.'
This statement underlines Trump's dual-track approach: projecting power while keeping doors open for negotiation. The current delay suggests that backchannel talks—possibly with Israel and regional partners—may be underway.
Could this meeting reshape Trump's Iran strategy?
That's the big question. Steve Bannon is no longer a formal adviser, but he remains a powerful ideological voice within MAGA circles. His influence, especially when combined with public pressure from Trump's base, could steer the administration away from immediate military action.
It's also worth noting that Bannon publicly stated Israel must "finish what it started', indicating that while he supports Israel's broader goals, he doesn't believe the U.S. should lead or rush into a war on its behalf.
The next two weeks will be crucial. Whether this delay leads to diplomacy or just postpones a larger crisis remains to be seen.
FAQs:
Q1: Why did Trump delay the Iran decision after meeting Bannon?
Trump delayed to explore peaceful options before any military action, as Bannon advised.
Q2: What did Bannon say about the Iran-Israel conflict?
Bannon urged Trump to wait and avoid rushing into a strike on Iran's Fordo site.