Former White House strategist Steve Bannon warned attendees at the Conservative Political Action Conference on Friday that the United States could be entering a broader conflict with Iran, potentially involving American ground forces.

Speaking at the CPAC gathering in Grapevine, Texas, Bannon told the audience that the U.S. is "probably [at] the start of a war" and cautioned that American service members could end up fighting on Iran's Kharg Island, a key oil export facility in the Persian Gulf.

Bannon's remarks came amid ongoing tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran in the Middle East region. The former Trump administration official specifically warned attendees that "your sons, daughters ... could be on Kharg Island," referring to potential military deployment scenarios.

The Conservative Political Action Conference has traditionally embraced "America First" foreign policy positions that emphasize non-interventionism. However, speakers at this year's event have addressed the possibility of expanded military involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts.

Bannon's comments reflect broader debates within conservative circles about U.S. military engagement abroad, particularly regarding Iran and regional conflicts involving Israel. The warning about potential ground combat represents a significant escalation in rhetoric about the current Middle East situation.