JUST IN: Trump’s Counterterrorism Chief Joe Kent Resigns Over Iran War

The Director of the US National Counterterrorism Center, Joe Kent, has resigned from his position, citing his opposition to President Donald Trump’s war in Iran.

Kent announced his decision on Tuesday, stating that he could no longer support the administration’s position on the conflict.

“I cannot in good conscience back this war,” he said.

In a statement shared on social media, Kent argued that the basis for the conflict was unjustified.

“Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we entered this war due to pressure from Israel and its influential lobby in the United States,” he stated.

Kent, who was confirmed to the role in July by a 52–44 Senate vote, led the National Counterterrorism Center, the body responsible for analysing and identifying terrorist threats to the United States.

His resignation marks a significant shake-up within the administration’s national security leadership, coming amid ongoing tensions over US policy towards Iran.

Before his appointment, Kent ran unsuccessfully in two congressional elections in Washington State. He is also a former Green Beret with 11 deployments and later served in intelligence roles at the Central Intelligence Agency.

His confirmation had sparked sharp partisan debate in the Senate. While Republican lawmakers supported his nomination, citing his extensive security experience, Democrats raised concerns over his past affiliations and public statements.

During his confirmation hearing, Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton defended Kent, stating that he had “dedicated his career to fighting terrorism and keeping Americans safe.”

Kent’s resignation comes as debates continue in Washington over the administration’s handling of the Iran conflict and its broader counterterrorism strategy.