The Director of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center, Joe Kent, has resigned from his position, citing opposition to the ongoing war with Iran and alleging external pressure influenced the decision to engage in the conflict.
Kent, who served under President Donald Trump, announced his resignation in a letter shared publicly, stating: “After much reflection, I have decided to resign.” He added, “I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran.”
In the letter, Kent argued that the conflict was unjustified, asserting that “Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation.” He further claimed that “it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.”
His resignation makes him the most senior official in the administration to step down over the Iran war, highlighting growing internal divisions within the U.S. government over the conflict.
Kent, a former military officer and intelligence official, had been appointed to lead the counterterrorism centre in 2025. His departure reportedly caught intelligence officials off guard and has drawn mixed reactions across political circles, with some praising his stance while others criticised his remarks.
The controversy comes amid escalating tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran, with critics questioning the legal and strategic basis for the war. Analysts note that U.S. law typically requires evidence of an imminent threat to justify military action, a claim Kent insists was not met in this case.
Kent’s exit underscores widening disagreements within the administration over foreign policy direction, particularly regarding intervention in the Middle East.
