Erik Prince, founder of the private military contractor formerly known as Blackwater, criticized U.S. strikes that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, telling Steve Bannon he did not believe the mission served America's interests. Prince, a former Navy SEAL, expressed disappointment during an appearance on Bannon's WarRoom, questioning the strategic endgame of the operation.

Prince warned the strikes would uncork chaos and destruction in Iran, asking who would take over after the ayatollah's death. He argued the operation contradicted President Trump's MAGA commitments and dismissed hopes that Operation Epic Fury could topple Iran's regime without ground troops. Prince also lamented the deaths of three American service members in the strikes.

His comments came as Trump told The Atlantic that Iran's remaining leadership wanted to resume talks with the U.S. The president said he agreed to negotiations, noting they "should have done it sooner." Prince's criticism highlights growing divisions among Trump allies over the Iran operation's wisdom and potential consequences.