Iran war: midterms loom over US conservative summit

American conservatives are gathering in Texas this week for what organisers describe as their largest and most influential meeting, with the Iran war and fears of a punishing midterm election cycle raising the stakes.

The four-day Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), opening on Wednesday near Dallas, is expected to attract leading figures from across the Republican Party and its global allies, even as Washington is preoccupied with conflict abroad and political uncertainty at home.

President Donald Trump — always the main attraction — is once again expected to dominate proceedings, with his appearances typically serving as both a rallying call and a signal of the party’s direction. His keynote speech is scheduled for Saturday.

This year’s line-up, however, carries a stronger geopolitical focus, with exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi emerging as a figure of significant interest.

Pahlavi, who has positioned himself as a potential transitional leader following the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, is expected to use the platform to advocate for regime change, reflecting a broader hawkish mood among many attendees as the war intensifies.

CPAC organisers have framed the event in broad terms, calling it “the culmination of a year spent strengthening alliances, elevating new voices and reinforcing the message that freedom begins – and must be protected – here at home.”

The conference, however, takes place against a backdrop of growing political challenges for Republicans, with strategists increasingly warning of difficult months ahead of November’s midterm elections amid economic pressures and the risks of a prolonged conflict in Iran.

The war — now in its fourth week — is likely to dominate discussions both on stage and behind the scenes, shaping debates over foreign policy, energy security and America’s role globally.

Republican strategists fear that a prolonged conflict could further damage a party already expected to lose the House of Representatives in November to the Democrats, while also struggling to defend its narrow 53–47 majority in the Senate.

Epstein’s shadow

At the same time, CPAC is overshadowed by ongoing controversy surrounding the release of files linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, an issue that continues to resonate within conservative circles.

The inclusion of former Trump strategist Steve Bannon as a featured speaker has drawn scrutiny due to his past association with Epstein, although Bannon has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

Despite these distractions, CPAC remains a central platform for conservative politics – a stage where established figures and emerging voices compete for attention and where the movement’s priorities are refined ahead of November’s elections.

Last year’s gathering focused on ideological purity, opposition to so-called “woke indoctrination”, and a strong “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) identity.

The main stage — which has featured global right-wing figures such as Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, Argentina’s Javier Milei, Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro and Trump himself — has become a key platform for the movement’s evolving blend of nationalism, populism and identity politics.

Beyond Trump and Pahlavi, the list of speakers highlights both the breadth and internal tensions within today’s conservative movement.

Senator Ted Cruz of Texas is expected to receive a warm reception in his home state as he emphasises hardline positions on Iran and border security, while Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche provides a direct link to the administration’s legal and national security agenda.

North Carolina Senate candidate Michael Whatley, a key Trump ally, is likely to use the platform to sharpen the party’s midterm messaging, particularly on election integrity and voter turnout.

As in previous years, CPAC’s appeal lies not only in its headline speakers but also in its wider ecosystem — from policy panels to influencer-driven “media row” — where emerging figures test ideas and seek a larger role in a movement long defined by loyalty to Trump.

Among the more controversial additions is Nick Shirley, a 23-year-old far-right YouTuber who gained prominence after posting videos alleging fraud within Minnesota’s Somali community—claims later disputed by state officials.