Joseph Kent has resigned as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, delivering a scathing rebuke of Donald Trump’s administration over its decision to wage war in Iran.
In a resignation letter released as a press statement, Kent announced his immediate departure, writing, “After much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective today.”
Kent made clear that his decision was rooted in strong opposition to US military action, stating, “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.”
Referencing Trump’s earlier political positions, Kent added, “I support the values and the foreign policies that you campaigned on in 2016, 2020, 2024, which you enacted in your first term. Until June of 2025, you understood that the wars in the Middle East were a trap that robbed America of the precious lives of our patriots and depleted the wealth and prosperity of our nation.”
He also credited the President’s past military strategy, stating, “In your first administration, you understood better than any modern President how to decisively apply military power without getting us drawn into never-ending wars. You demonstrated this by killing Qasam Solamani and by defeating ISIS.”
However, Kent accused external forces of influencing US policy, alleging a coordinated misinformation effort. “Early in this administration, high-ranking Israeli officials and influential members of the American media deployed a misinformation campaign that wholly undermined your America First platform and sowed pro-war sentiments to encourage a war with Iran,” he said.
He further claimed, “This echo chamber was used to deceive you into believing that Iran posed an imminent threat to the United States, and that should you strike now, there was a clear path to a swift victory. This was a lie and is the same tactic the Israelis used to draw us into the disastrous Iraq war that cost our nation the lives of thousands of our best men and women. We cannot make this mistake again.”
Drawing on his personal experience, Kent emphasised the human cost of war, stating, “As a veteran who deployed to combat 11 times and as a Gold Star husband who lost my beloved wife Shannon in a war manufactured by Israel, I cannot support sending the next generation off to fight and die in a war that serves no benefit to the American people nor justifies the cost of American lives.”
He concluded his letter with a direct appeal to the President: “I pray that you will reflect upon what we are doing in Iran, and who we are doing it for. The time for bold action is now. You can reverse course and chart a new path for our nation, or you can allow us to slip further toward decline and chaos. You hold the cards.”
Kent added, “It was an honor to serve in your administration and to serve our great nation.”
The resignation marks a significant internal rupture within the US national security establishment, raising fresh questions over the administration’s foreign policy direction and the justification for the Iran conflict.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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