Top counterterrorism official Kent resigns over Trump’s Iran war, says Iran posed no imminent threat
The United States’ top counterterrorism official has resigned over the ongoing war in Iran, saying the conflict was not justified and that Tehran posed no imminent threat to American security, according to media reports.
Joe Kent, Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, stepped down on Tuesday, becoming the highest-ranking official in President Donald Trump’s administration to resign over the conflict.
In a resignation letter made public, Kent said he could not support the war “in good conscience,” arguing that the decision to engage militarily lacked a credible threat basis.
“Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation,” he said, questioning the justification for the use of force.
The resignation comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following U.S. and allied strikes on Iran, which have triggered retaliatory actions and raised fears of a wider regional conflict.
Joe Kent is an American government official and former U.S. Army Special Forces soldier who has served in senior national security roles. He was appointed as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), where he oversaw coordination of intelligence and counterterrorism efforts across U.S. agencies. Kent has previously worked with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and has been involved in military operations in conflict zones, including Iraq and Syria. He has also been active in U.S. politics and public policy debates on national security and foreign affairs.
Kent’s departure is being seen as a significant development, highlighting internal divisions within the U.S. administration over the rationale behind the military campaign.
Reports said Kent also suggested that the war was initiated under external pressure, including from allied interests, a claim that has added to the controversy surrounding the conflict.
The White House and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence did not immediately respond to the resignation, according to reports.
Kent, a former Army Special Forces officer and CIA operative, had been appointed to head the National Counterterrorism Center in 2025 and was responsible for coordinating intelligence efforts related to global terrorism threats.
His exit has reportedly surprised intelligence officials and is expected to intensify scrutiny over the legal and strategic basis of the Iran war.
Analysts say the resignation underscores growing unease within sections of the U.S. security establishment, particularly over whether the threshold of an “imminent threat” — often cited as a legal basis for military action — was met in this case.
The development also comes at a time when the administration faces increasing questions from lawmakers and international observers regarding the conduct and consequences of the conflict.
Kent’s resignation is likely to fuel further debate in Washington over foreign policy direction and the broader implications of the ongoing war in the Middle East.
