WASHINGTON – The Director of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center, Joe Kent, has resigned from his position, citing opposition to the Trump administration’s ongoing war with Iran.
In a statement posted on social media, Kent said he “cannot in good conscience” support the conflict, arguing that Iran did not pose an immediate threat to the United States. He further claimed the war was initiated under external pressure, a remark that has intensified political divisions in Washington.
Kent’s resignation comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, where the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran continues to widen. Israeli officials reported the killing of senior Iranian figures, including Ali Larijani, a top security official, and Gholam Reza Soleimani, head of the Basij force linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.
Meanwhile, Iran has intensified retaliatory strikes, launching missiles and drones targeting regional infrastructure, including key oil facilities in Gulf Arab states. The country has also reaffirmed its control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that several countries had expressed willingness to assist in securing the waterway. However, he acknowledged resistance from some allies, including members of NATO, raising concerns about international support for the mission.
Domestic reaction to Kent’s resignation has been swift. House Speaker Mike Johnson criticised the former counterterrorism chief, insisting that intelligence briefings indicated an imminent threat from Iran. Johnson argued that delaying military action could have resulted in significant casualties and damage to U.S. interests.
However, reports indicate that U.S. intelligence assessments shared with congressional staff shortly after the conflict began did not conclude that Iran was preparing an immediate pre-emptive strike.
The war has already had devastating regional consequences. In Lebanon, more than 900 people have reportedly been killed in Israeli strikes over the past two weeks, according to the country’s Health Ministry, with over one million displaced.
The conflict was triggered earlier this month following coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, which reportedly killed senior leadership figures, including Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, who was named as a successor, has not appeared publicly amid reports he may have been injured.
As the war intensifies, concerns are growing over its humanitarian impact and the risk of broader regional escalation, with European allies increasingly questioning the strategic objectives behind the military campaign.