Former White House strategist Steve Bannon, during the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Grapevine, Texas, warned about the possibility of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran leading to the deployment of US military personnel on Kharg Island. Bannon stated that the United States is "probably [at] the start of a war," although the final decision rests with President Trump. In his statements, Bannon emphasized that the sons and daughters of those present could be sent to Kharg Island or the Strait of Hormuz area.

Kharg Island, crucial to the Iranian economy as it concentrates 90% of its crude exports, could be a key target in the conflict. Taking the island would require the deployment of ground troops, which, according to experts, would involve risks and an increase in casualties, making a negotiation with Iran difficult.

Erik Prince, founder of Blackrock, spoke after Bannon, noting that Mojtaba Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, will have the final say on the end of the conflict. Prince also mentioned that the US and Israeli strikes on Iran had caused the death of Khamenei's wife, other family members, and his father, the former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Prince expressed skepticism about a peaceful solution, warning of possible serious consequences if the decision is made to send ground troops. According to Prince, this could result in the destruction of American warships in the coming weeks, a scenario for which, he believes, the population would not be prepared.

Prince also downplayed calls for regime change from the "armed opposition" within Iran, something that Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had supported at different times before and during the conflict. Prince argued that there has never been a real preparation of an armed opposition within the country and that there are many ways to act from the periphery that do not require the intervention of US troops.

The Trump administration has highlighted US military power in the attacks against Iran, with the president claiming that Iran's naval, air, and missile capabilities have been "decimated." However, it has also been suggested that the conflict could be "winding down."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed the foreign ministers of the Group of 7 in France that the conflict could conclude in two to four weeks, according to Axios. He later stated to The Guardian that the conflict would end in "weeks, not months." Rubio stated that, once operations are completed, Iran would be weaker than in the recent past.

Rubio indicated that the United States is still working with mediators to negotiate the end of the military operation with Iran. He added that it was unclear who is really making decisions in Tehran and that mediators are facing difficulties communicating with Iranian officials, who fear being located and killed by airstrikes.