U.S. Counterterrorism Director Resigns, Criticizes Israel’s Role in Iran War

Joseph Kent, Director of the United States National Counterterrorism Center, has resigned, citing strong opposition to the U.S. military engagement in Iran and raising concerns over the motivations behind the conflict.

In a resignation letter addressed to President Donald Trump, Kent said his decision followed “much reflection” and takes immediate effect.

“After much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective today,” Kent wrote.

Kent criticized the administration’s foreign policy, stating that he could no longer support the war in Iran.

“I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby,” he said.

He emphasized that his stance is based on principles he believes previously guided U.S. policy:

“I support the values and foreign policies you campaigned on in 2016, 2020, and 2024, and which you enacted in your first term. Until June of 2025, you recognized that the wars in the Middle East were a trap that cost America lives and depleted our nation’s resources.”

Kent also accused “high-ranking Israeli officials and influential members of the American media” of spreading misinformation that encouraged military action against Iran, saying this effort undermined the “America First” platform and misled U.S. leadership.

“This echo chamber deceived you into believing Iran posed an imminent threat, and that a strike would lead to swift victory. This was a lie,” he wrote, drawing parallels to the lead-up to the Iraq war.

Reflecting on the personal cost of war, Kent shared his experience as a veteran and the loss of his wife Shannon in a conflict he described as “manufactured by Israel.”

“I cannot support sending the next generation to fight in a war that brings no benefit to the American people nor justifies the cost of American lives,” he stated.

Kent urged the President to reconsider the current course of action:

“I pray that you will reflect upon what we are doing in Iran, and who we are doing it for. You can reverse course and chart a new path for our nation, or allow us to slip further toward decline and chaos. You hold the cards.”

He concluded by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve:

“It was an honor to serve in your administration and to serve our great nation.”

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