Bannon urges Trump to avoid war with Iran, backs 'America First' stance

Former White House strategist Steve Bannon was seen at the White House on Thursday, where he had lunch with US President Donald Trump, according to a senior official. The meeting had been scheduled weeks ago but was delayed after Bannon fell ill with the flu.

Despite a brief rift following his 2017 departure, Bannon has remained one of Trump’s most loyal outside advisers.

Speaking at a Christian Science Monitor event, Bannon voiced strong opposition to US involvement in a conflict with Iran. “My mantra right now: The Israelis have to finish what they started,” he said. “We can’t do this again. We’ll tear the country apart. We can’t have another Iraq.”

He has echoed this position on his “War Room” podcast, reflecting a segment of the MAGA movement urging Trump to steer clear of war, arguing such a move contradicts his “America First” foreign policy.