At the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) 2026, the U.S. war in Iran dominated discussions, revealing deep divisions among Trump supporters. Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran's last shah, delivered a rousing speech calling for the overthrow of the Islamic Republic and positioning himself as a future democratic leader. Meanwhile, attendees debated the war's costs, duration, and potential for U.S. involvement.
Part 1: Immediate Action & Core Facts
- Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi addressed CPAC, advocating for a free Iran and proposing a "Cyrus Accords" to normalize relations with Israel. He framed the U.S.-led war as an opportunity for Iranians to overthrow the regime.
- Trump supporters at CPAC expressed mixed views on the war, with some endorsing a prolonged conflict while others warned of high costs and risks, including potential U.S. troop deployments.
Part 2: Deeper Dive & Context
Pahlavi’s Vision for Iran
Pahlavi received a standing ovation as he outlined a post-regime Iran that would be a U.S. and Israeli ally, contrasting the current regime's oppression with Iran's historical tolerance. He invoked the Abraham Accords, proposing their expansion into the "Cyrus Accords," named after the ancient Persian king Cyrus the Great.
Divisions Among Trump Supporters
- Steve Bannon, a Trump ally, cautioned that the war could escalate, potentially requiring U.S. troops in the Strait of Hormuz. He urged supporters to "have Trump’s back" but acknowledged the conflict’s risks.
- Mercedes Schlapp, a former Trump administration official, expressed concerns about a prolonged war, questioning whether Americans would support it.
- Rafael Cruz, father of Sen. Ted Cruz, called for the U.S. to "cut the head of the snake" in Iran, reflecting hawkish sentiment among some attendees.
Public and Political Sentiment
Polls show that 69% of independents oppose U.S. military action in Iran, while 84% of Republicans support it, though support drops to 70% among non-MAGA Republicans. Some GOP figures, like Sen. Marco Rubio, have ruled out ground troops, but the Trump administration has not.
Iranian-American Support for Trump
A significant contingent of Iranian-Americans at CPAC, including groups like "Persians for Trump," praised Trump’s war efforts, viewing it as a path to freedom for Iran. Nima Poursohi, a Trump supporter, called the president the "next King Cyrus the Great" and pledged Iranian-American loyalty to his cause.
Long-Term Implications
The war’s outcome remains uncertain, with debates over its duration, cost, and potential for regime change. Pahlavi’s speech highlighted the exiled community’s hopes, while Trump supporters grappled with the war’s domestic and geopolitical consequences.