Joe Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Center, has resigned from his post in protest over the ongoing conflict with Iran, arguing the country did not pose an immediate threat to the United States. In a resignation letter published on social media, Kent said he could not support the war, claiming it had been driven by external pressure rather than clear national security concerns. “I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran,” he wrote, adding that he believed the threat from Tehran had been overstated.
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Kent, who served under Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, argued that the decision to engage militarily had been influenced by pro-war messaging and lobbying efforts linked to Israel. He described what he called a “misinformation campaign” that he said contributed to shaping US policy.
He warned that the situation risked repeating past conflicts, drawing comparisons with the Iraq war and cautioning against prolonged military engagement.
Kent also praised aspects of Donald Trump’s earlier foreign policy, including targeted operations against militant leaders and efforts to avoid extended conflicts. However, he accused the current administration of departing from that approach.
Background and political profile
A former special forces warrant officer, Kent has extensive military experience. His wife, Shannon Kent, a US Navy cryptologic technician, was killed in a bombing in Syria in 2019.
Following her death, Kent entered politics and ran twice for Congress in Washington state, though he was unsuccessful in both attempts.
His political career drew controversy due to links with far-right figures and his support for disputed claims about the 2020 US election and the January 6 Capitol attack.
Reaction from the White House
President Trump responded to the resignation during a White House event, saying he had reviewed Kent’s statement and disagreed with his assessment of Iran.
Trump said he considered Iran a significant threat and suggested Kent’s views demonstrated poor judgement on national security. He added that it was “a good thing” Kent had stepped down, describing him as weak on security.
The resignation comes amid heightened tensions surrounding the Iran conflict, which has increasingly dominated US foreign policy and sparked debate within political and security circles.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 18 March 2026