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The head of the United States’ main counterterrorism agency has resigned, saying he can no longer support the Trump administration’s war in Iran, according to the Associated Press.
Joe Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Center, announced Tuesday that he was stepping down, saying he “cannot in good conscience” remain in his post while backing the conflict.
In a statement posted on social media, Kent said Iran did not pose an immediate threat to the United States and claimed the war began because of political pressure connected to Israel and influential pro-Israel lobbying groups in Washington.
His resignation is unusual, as senior national security officials rarely step down publicly in disagreement with an ongoing military operation.
Kent had been leading the National Counterterrorism Center, the agency responsible for analyzing terrorist threats and helping coordinate intelligence between U.S. security services. The role places its director at the heart of how America evaluates global threats and responds to them.
According to AP News, Kent was confirmed to the position last July in a close Senate vote of 52–44. His appointment had already sparked debate due to his political past and reported ties to right-wing extremist figures, which critics raised during his confirmation hearings.
Before joining President Donald Trump’s administration, Kent ran twice for Congress in Washington state but failed to win a seat. He previously served as a Green Beret with 11 overseas deployments and later worked for the CIA.
The White House has not yet issued an official response to his resignation or said who will take over the role.
Kent’s departure comes as political tensions grow in Washington over the Iran conflict, with some lawmakers questioning whether the war was necessary and what risks it could create for stability in the wider Middle East.
For now, the counterterrorism center’s work is expected to continue under interim leadership while a replacement is chosen.
