ALBAWABA- Director of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center Joe Kent resigned on Tuesday, becoming the highest-ranking official in the Trump administration to step down in protest over the ongoing US-Israeli military campaign against Iran.
In a resignation letter posted on X, Kent said he could not “in good conscience” support the war, arguing that Iran posed no imminent threat to the United States.
He also confirmed that the conflict was driven by pressure from Israel and its allies in Washington. The retired Green Beret announced his departure would take effect immediately, while praising his colleagues at the National Counterterrorism Center and calling for a policy reversal.
Donald Trump responded swiftly, telling reporters at the White House that Kent’s resignation was “a good thing.” He described Kent as “a nice guy” but “very weak on security,” adding that those who believe Iran poses no threat have no place in his administration. Trump reiterated that the campaign was necessary to counter what he called decades of Iranian-backed regional instability.
The resignation comes amid intensified US-Israeli strikes, which Trump said have significantly degraded Iran’s military capabilities, including its air force, navy, air defence systems and missile production. According to the president, more than 7,000 targets have been hit, sharply reducing Tehran’s ballistic missile and drone capabilities.
Kent’s departure underscores growing divisions within the administration and among its allies over the conflict. His criticism also reflects broader concerns about the increasing Israeli influence on US foreign policy, drawing comparisons to debates preceding the 2003 Iraq war.
The White House said Kent’s views do not reflect official policy, maintaining that pre-emptive military action was necessary to protect global shipping routes and US strategic interests, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz.
