Steve Bannon, a key figure in the MAGA movement and former Trump advisor, has expressed concerns about the United States pursuing regime change in Iran, suggesting instead that Israel should take the lead in such efforts. While Bannon praised Trump’s military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, he expressed skepticism about the concept of regime change, criticizing the Pentagon’s messaging and urging Israel to ‘finish what you started’ without U.S. involvement.
Trump’s comments on regime change have sparked controversy within the GOP, creating a divide between interventionists like Senator Lindsey Graham and isolationists such as Bannon, who oppose U.S. military engagement in the Middle East. Bannon warned that the uncertainty surrounding the strike’s success could lead to increased U.S. involvement, potentially requiring military deployment. He also questioned the administration’s stated goals, suggesting that the focus on preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons was more of a political narrative than a genuine strategic aim.
Bannon called for clarity on the strike’s impact, arguing that without a clear understanding of the damage, the U.S. risked becoming entangled in a prolonged conflict. His remarks have contributed to the growing tension between the Trump administration and the broader Republican Party, highlighting the internal debates over the appropriate level of U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict.