Resignation of Top Counterterrorism Official Raises Concerns Over Iran War

Wed Mar 18 2026 17:11:16 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Joe Kent, the National Counterterrorism Center Director, resigns amid criticisms about the U.S. war in Iran, questioning its justifications and urging President Trump to reconsider.

In a shocking move, Joe Kent, President Trump's top counterterrorism official, has resigned over the ongoing war in Iran, expressing that Iran presents 'no imminent threat' to the U.S. In his resignation letter, Kent criticized the administration for acting under pressure from Israeli interests, urging the president to revert to his 'America First' policies. The White House refuted Kent's claims, citing significant evidence that Iran posed an imminent threat. His resignation marks a notable dissent within the Trump administration, garnering varied reactions from across the political spectrum.

Donald Trump's top counterterrorism official has resigned over the war in Iran, urging the president to reverse course.

In a letter posted on X, National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent said that Iran posed no imminent threat to the U.S. and claimed the administration started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.

The White House dismissed the letter, stating the president had compelling evidence that Iran was going to attack the U.S. first. A U.S. hate monitor accused Kent of antisemitic tropes.

With his departure, Kent is the most high-profile figure within the Trump administration to publicly criticize the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran.

In his resignation letter, Kent alleged that high-ranking Israeli officials and influential U.S. journalists had sown misinformation that led the president to undermine his America First platform. He claimed, This echo chamber was used to deceive you into believing that Iran posed an imminent threat to the United States; this was a lie.

Kent, a decorated military veteran and long-time Trump supporter, has faced scrutiny as he previously refused to retract conspiracy theories regarding the January 2021 Capitol riot and Trump’s election loss.

Despite his criticisms, reactions to Kent's resignation have been mixed, with some political figures supporting his stance while others condemned him for his views.