FBI Probes Ex-US Counterterrorism Chief Joseph Kent After Resignation Over Iran War

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is reportedly investigating an alleged leak of classified information involving a former senior US counterterrorism official, Joseph Kent, who recently resigned in protest over the Iran war.

The investigation, which reportedly began months before Kent’s sudden resignation on Tuesday as director of the National Counterterrorism Center, was reported by outlets including The New York Times and CBS News, citing unnamed sources.

In his resignation letter to US President Donald Trump, Kent argued that Iran posed no immediate threat to the United States, claiming the conflict was influenced by pressure from Israel and its allies in America.

A source told Semafor that the investigation had been ongoing for several months. The FBI has yet to respond to requests for comment.

Speaking in an interview with Tucker Carlson, Kent maintained that there was no intelligence suggesting an imminent attack by Iran. He said there was no indication of any planned large-scale strike against the United States.

He also alleged that Israel played a central role in driving the decision to go to war, adding that while the US can support Israel’s defence, it should have influence over decisions regarding offensive actions.

Kent, a former special forces soldier, was appointed by Trump to lead the National Counterterrorism Center, where he worked under Tulsi Gabbard to coordinate responses to terrorism threats and advise the president.

Reacting to his resignation, Trump described Kent as “very weak on security,” saying his departure was a positive development.

Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed Kent’s claims as false, describing his assertions that the war decision was influenced by external pressure as “insulting and laughable.”

She maintained that Trump acted based on strong intelligence indicating that Iran was preparing to attack the United States.