Joseph Kent, Director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), has resigned in protest over the United States’ involvement in the ongoing conflict with Iran, marking a significant break within the country’s national security leadership.
Kent announced his decision in a statement on Tuesday, citing deep personal conviction and opposition to the war.
“I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran,” he said.
His resignation comes amid escalating hostilities that began on February 28, when Israel launched what it described as pre-emptive missile strikes on Iran.
Within hours, Donald Trump confirmed that the operation was carried out in coordination with the United States, triggering a series of retaliatory strikes between Iran, US and Israeli forces.
Reacting to Kent’s exit, President Trump dismissed the former counterterrorism chief, questioning his stance on national security.
“I always thought he was weak on security. Very weak on security. I didn’t know him well. But I thought he seemed like a pretty nice guy.
But when I read his statement, I realised that it’s a good thing he’s out because he said Iran was not a threat,” Trump said in an interview with Fox News.
In his resignation statement, Kent argued that Iran did not pose an imminent threat to the United States and claimed the conflict was driven by external pressure rather than core national security interests.
“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,” he stated.
Referencing Trump’s earlier presidency, Kent suggested the current military approach departs from previously restrained strategies.
“In your first administration, you understood better than any modern president how to decisively apply military power without getting us drawn into never-ending wars,” he said.
He further alleged that influential actors had shaped public perception in favour of military action, warning against a repeat of past conflicts.
“This was a lie and is the same tactic used to draw us into the disastrous Iraq war,” Kent added.
The NCTC, which coordinates terrorism-related intelligence across US agencies, places its director at the heart of America’s counterterrorism strategy, making Kent’s resignation a notable development amid the crisis.
A veteran of multiple combat deployments, Kent also cited personal losses linked to previous wars, warning against further escalation.
“I cannot support sending the next generation to fight and die in a war that serves no benefit to the American people,” he said.
He urged the administration to reassess its involvement, noting that his decision followed “deep personal reflection.”
Kent’s departure is the first high-level public dissent within the Trump administration over the Iran conflict, signalling potential divisions within the US national security establishment as tensions in the region continue to rise.
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