Trump meets with Steve Bannon ahead of decision to delay Iran attack

Steve Bannon visited the White House on Thursday for a private lunch with President Donald Trump, just hours before Trump announced he would delay his decision on whether to launch a strike against Iran, reports the New York Daily News.

The lunch, rescheduled after Bannon was reportedly ill, comes at a critical moment as Trump weighs US involvement in Israel’s military campaign. “There’s a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran,” Trump said in a statement. “I’ll make my decision to go within the next two weeks.”

Trump's new two-week timeline marks a significant departure the previous time line which was anticipated by many pundits of just a few days. The pause also coincides with planned talks between European diplomats and Iranian officials this weekend

US envoy Steve Witkoff is not expected to attend.

Bannon, a former White House adviser and a key voice in the anti-interventionist wing of Trump’s movement, has repeatedly warned against US involvement in another Middle East conflict.

His meeting with Trump comes as internal debate's spaked up in recent weeks among Trump allies over the extent of American engagement and avoiding involvement in what have been called "forever wars."

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt urged Americans to “trust in Trump” as the former president considers his options.

"Nobody should be surprised by the President's position that Iran absolutely cannot obtain a nuclear weapon. He has been unequivocally clear about this for decades, not just as president, not just as a presidential candidate, but also as a private citizen," she added.