Senior U.S. Counterterrorism Official Resigns Over Opposition to Iran War

Washington: Joe Kent, Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, has resigned from his position, citing opposition to the ongoing conflict with Iran.

In a statement shared on social media, Kent said he could not, in good conscience, support the war against Iran. He argued that Iran does not pose an immediate threat to the United States and claimed the conflict was driven by pressure from Israel and its influential lobby in the U.S.

In his resignation letter addressed to Donald Trump, Kent alleged that Israeli officials played a role in drawing the United States into the conflict through what he described as a campaign of misinformation.

After much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective today.

I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this… pic.twitter.com/prtu86DpEr

— Joe Kent (@joekent16jan19) March 17, 2026

He further stated that the arguments presented in favor of attacking Iran and claims of a quick victory reminded him of the period leading up to the Iraq War 2003.

Kent, who served multiple tours during the Iraq War, also referenced his personal loss, noting that his wife, Shannon Kent, was killed during an operation in Syria. He emphasized that, given his experience of 11 combat deployments and personal sacrifice, he could not support sending another generation into a war he believes is not in the best interest of the American people.

The resignation marks a significant development amid ongoing debate within the United States over its involvement in the Iran conflict.