Constellis founder Erik Prince is now reportedly raising serious concerns about the recent U.S. strikes that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, telling Steve Bannon that he does not believe the operation ultimately served America’s interests.
Prince, a former Navy SEAL who founded the private military contractor formerly known as Blackwater in 1997, made the remarks during an appearance on Bannon’s WarRoom on Sunday. His comments came just one day after joint American-Israeli strikes eliminated the ayatollah along with dozens of other leaders from Iran’s theocratic regime.
While Bannon described the outcome as “spectacular,” Prince made clear he did not share that level of enthusiasm.
“Look Steve, I’m not happy about the whole thing. I don’t think this was in America’s interests,” Prince said. “It’s going to uncork a significant can of worms and chaos and destruction in Iran now.”
Prince questioned what the long-term strategy might be following such a high-profile and consequential operation.
“Who takes over now?” he asked, signaling uncertainty about what comes next for Iran and for the region. He also took aim at President Donald Trump, suggesting that the strike may not align with the president’s long-standing commitment to putting America first.
“I don’t see how this is in keeping with the President’s MAGA commitment. I’m disappointed,” Prince said.
Prince further argued that it may be unrealistic to assume that Operation Epic Fury could successfully topple Iran’s regime without deploying American forces on the ground. He expressed skepticism that air power alone could bring about lasting regime change.
“These are ultimately solved by ground combat,” Prince said. “I don’t think a regime has ever been changed by air power alone.”
He also lamented the loss of three American troops killed during the strikes on Saturday, underscoring the human cost of military action.
Around the same time Prince was voicing his concerns, President Trump signaled that diplomatic efforts could resume. In comments to The Atlantic, Trump said that what remains of Iran’s leadership had expressed interest in restarting talks with the United States.
“They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them,” Trump said. “They should have done it sooner. They should have given what was very practical and easy to do sooner. They waited too long.”
Speaking later to NBC News on Sunday, the president acknowledged the American casualties but maintained that the broader objective would ultimately yield positive results.
“We have three [deaths], but we expect casualties, but in the end it’s going to be a great deal for the world,” Trump said.
Prince’s remarks highlight an ongoing debate within conservative circles about the proper scope and purpose of American military power. While some see the elimination of Iran’s supreme leader as a decisive blow against a hostile regime, others are questioning the long-term consequences and whether the move advances U.S. national interests.
As diplomatic discussions potentially resume, questions remain about Iran’s next leadership and whether the strikes will lead to stability — or further unrest — in an already volatile region.
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