Joe Kent, head of the National Counterterrorism Center, has resigned in protest over the Iran war, becoming the first senior official in President Donald Trump’s administration to step down over the conflict.
In his resignation letter, Kent said he could not support a war he believes was launched without an “imminent threat” to the United States. According to his statement, he argued the decision was influenced by pressure from Israel and pro-war voices in Washington.
Breaking: The top U.S. counterterrorism official has resigned over the Iran war, saying “Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation.” https://t.co/1E6LenGk22
— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) March 17, 2026
Kent warned the conflict contradicts Trump’s “America First” agenda and risks repeating past Middle East interventions. The report said he also criticized what he described as misinformation shaping the push toward war.
The White House and intelligence officials have not responded, reported by sources.
His departure highlights growing divisions within conservative circles over the Iran conflict and raises fresh questions about the administration’s foreign policy direction.
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TIPP Staff
