Trump faces internal Republican rift over possible Iran intervention

The prospect of United States military involvement in Iran has exposed growing divisions within the Republican coalition, particularly among members of former President Donald Trump’s political base, some of whom are urging caution against further entanglement in the Middle East.

Several prominent figures associated with the so-called “America First” movement — a key component of Trump’s electoral support in 2016 and 2024 — have voiced concern over reports that the US could join Israeli efforts to target Iran’s nuclear infrastructure in the absence of a diplomatic solution.

Steve Bannon, Trump’s former chief strategist and a longstanding advocate of non-interventionist policies, said the US should not repeat past military engagements without broad national support. “We can’t do this again,” Bannon said at a press briefing in Washington on Wednesday. “We can’t have another Iraq.”

Bannon reiterated his position on his War Room podcast, where he was joined by Jack Posobiec, another prominent conservative commentator. Posobiec argued that involving the US in regime change efforts could lead to unintended consequences. Bannon responded that such political change, if it occurs, “has to come from the people, not from a foreign power.”

The comments reflect wider concerns among certain Republican factions that military action could mark a departure from Trump’s traditionally cautious approach to foreign conflicts. Critics have pointed to the potential deployment of advanced US munitions, including bunker-busting bombs, as a sign of possible escalation.

Iran has issued warnings about any direct American involvement, suggesting it would have significant consequences, though it has not specified what form those might take.

Trump downplays internal dissent

Asked about opposition within his support base, Trump appeared dismissive of the idea that the issue could cause lasting political damage. “My supporters are more in love with me today than they were even at election time,” he said at the White House on Wednesday. “I only want one thing: Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.”

While acknowledging that “some are a little bit unhappy now,” Trump insisted that others agree with his assessment that preventing Iran from developing a nuclear arsenal is a priority.

“I’m not looking to fight,” he said. “But if it’s a choice between them fighting or having a nuclear weapon, you have to do what you have to do.”

Trump has not formally announced any military plans, stating only that he has “some ideas” on the path forward.

Intraparty tensions

The debate has highlighted a divide within the Republican Party over how the US should respond to Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Marc Short, a former senior adviser to Trump and an ally of ex-Vice President Mike Pence, described the disagreement as “a pretty large rift.” However, he suggested that Trump’s political base was likely to remain loyal.

“Most of the president’s followers are loyal to him more so than to any worldview,” Short said.

Others argue that supporting Israel could strengthen Trump’s standing among more traditional conservative voters. A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted in March found that 48% of Republicans supported using US military force to defend Israel, compared with 28% who disagreed. Among Democrats, only 25% agreed, while 52% expressed opposition.

Iran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons, but US and Israeli officials believe Tehran’s programme could lead to regional instability. Analysts have warned that an Iranian nuclear capability could trigger a wider arms race in the Middle East.

MAGA figures call for restraint

Bannon urged the administration to provide greater clarity on its intentions. “This is one of the oldest civilisations in the world, with over 90 million people,” he said. “This is not something you play around with. You have to think this through, and the American people have to be on board.”

Other high-profile Republicans have echoed those concerns. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene wrote on social media: “Anyone calling for the US to become fully involved in the Israel–Iran war is not America First. We are tired of foreign wars.”

Former Fox News presenter Tucker Carlson has also criticised interventionist rhetoric, including in a recent exchange with Senator Ted Cruz, in which Carlson challenged Cruz’s stance on regime change in Iran.

Senator Lindsey Graham, a long-time Republican figure on foreign affairs, took a different view, telling Fox News he hoped Trump would support Israel’s campaign. “Iran is an existential threat to our friends in Israel,” Graham said.

Vice President JD Vance attempted to address the debate by expressing confidence in the president’s judgment. “People are right to be worried about foreign entanglement after the last 25 years of foreign policy. But I believe the president has earned some trust on this issue,” he wrote online.

As of Wednesday evening, no decision had been announced. Trump said discussions were ongoing and that a final determination had yet to be made.