Top intelligence official, Joe Kent, who resigned following the U.S. strikes in Iran, said late conservative activist Charlie Kirk had urged him to prevent the Trump administration from engaging in a war with Iran. Kent had a close relationship with Kirk, who was instrumental in advocating for the country's relationship with Israel and publicly assassinated before he was assassinated. He also mentioned Kirk's influence in influencing the administration's decision to strike Iran as a necessary action, but critics argue it is unnecessary and pushed by Israel. The White House has responded by criticizing Kent's comments, calling him a "conspiratorial crackpot" who is blinded to the Islamic terror threat.