In a major setback to Donald Trump, Director of the National Counterterrorism Center Joe Kent announced his resignation on Tuesday, stating that he cannot, in good conscience, support the ongoing war in Iran.
In a post on X, where he shared a copy of his resignation letter, he said, "Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby."
In the letter addressed to Trump, Kent expressed his disappointment that the administration, which he believes once opposed prolonged Middle East wars, has shifted toward another major conflict. Drawing on his personal experience as a combat veteran and a Gold Star husband, Kent emphasised the human cost of war and rejected sending more Americans into a conflict he believes does not serve national interests.
He urged the president to reconsider the current course in Iran, warning of further decline and chaos if it continues, while expressing hope that a change in direction is still possible.
After much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective today.
— Joe Kent (@joekent16jan19) March 17, 2026
I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this… pic.twitter.com/prtu86DpEr
He also praised Trump's earlier foreign policy approach, particularly his efforts to avoid "endless wars" and decisive actions such as targeting key adversaries and defeating ISIS. However, he contended that misinformation and pro-war influence campaigns misled the administration into believing that Iran posed an urgent threat and that military action would be quick and successful.
He warned that this mirrors the mistakes that led to the Iraq War, which, he said, cost many American lives and resources.
