The Director of the United States National Counterterrorism Center, Joe Kent, has resigned from his position, citing opposition to the ongoing war with Iran under President Donald Trump.
Kent announced his resignation on Tuesday, stating he could no longer support the administration’s approach to the conflict.
“I cannot in good conscience back this war,” he said.
In a statement shared on social media, Kent argued that the rationale for the war was unjustified, claiming Iran posed no immediate threat to the United States.
He also suggested that external pressures influenced the decision to engage in the conflict.
Kent headed the National Counterterrorism Center, the agency responsible for analysing and coordinating intelligence on terrorist threats to the United States.
His resignation marks a significant shake-up within the country’s national security leadership at a time of heightened global tensions.
Appointed in July following a 52–44 Senate confirmation vote, Kent previously served as a Green Beret with multiple deployments and later worked in intelligence roles at the Central Intelligence Agency.
His nomination had sparked political divisions, with Republicans backing his experience while some Democrats raised concerns over his past affiliations and views.
Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton had defended Kent, describing him as a dedicated counterterrorism professional.
His resignation highlights internal disagreements within the administration as the conflict continues
