Peter Thiel Expresses Disapproval of Iran War, Diverging from Trump Allies
The billionaire investor stated the U.S. 'should not have done' the military action in Iran, in a rare critique from a prominent Trump supporter.
Billionaire investor Peter Thiel has voiced his disapproval of the U.S. military engagement in Iran, stating, "I think we should not have done it." These remarks represent a notable divergence from the stance of many of President Trump’s close allies, particularly with the midterm elections approaching.
Thiel, co-founder of Palantir and PayPal and with an estimated net worth of $37 billion, reportedly made these comments during a private event in Nashville on October 12. Audio recordings obtained by Politico indicate that Thiel expressed skepticism about the war, adding, "There were a lot of mistakes that were made." He also raised concerns about the potential loss of American soft power.
Thiel, who was a significant early supporter of Donald Trump, donating $1.25 million to his 2016 presidential campaign and speaking at the Republican National Convention, has maintained his support for the president. However, his recent statements mark one of the most direct criticisms from a prominent Trump supporter regarding the Iran operations, which began in February.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has contributed to rising global energy costs, with gasoline prices remaining above $4 a gallon. This economic pressure is a significant factor in the upcoming midterm elections, where Republicans are seeking to retain control of Congress.
During the lecture series in Nashville, Thiel also addressed concerns about the International Criminal Court (ICC). He alluded to comments made by figures from former President George W. Bush’s administration, such as Donald Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney. Thiel suggested that a potential ICC arrest warrant could be influencing the Trump administration's approach to the war in Iran.
Thiel also recounted a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in early 2024, following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. According to Thiel, Netanyahu commented, "I can’t just Dresden-ize it," referencing the destructive Allied bombing of Dresden during World War II, which resulted in significant civilian casualties.