US Intelligence Official Resigns Over Iran War Concerns
Resignation Amidst Controversy
A high-ranking intelligence official in the United States announced his resignation on Tuesday, expressing deep concerns regarding the ongoing conflict in Iran, which has been initiated by the US and Israel.
Joseph Kent, who served as the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, conveyed his decision in a letter addressed to President Donald Trump. He stated, “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.”
Kent is noted as the first official from the US administration to step down due to the conflict in West Asia.
The National Counterterrorism Center operates under the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and serves as the main hub for analyzing terrorism-related intelligence.
He further emphasized that he could not endorse “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.”
As of now, there has been no immediate comment from the White House regarding his resignation.
After much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective today.
— Joe Kent (@joekent16jan19) March 17, 2026
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… pic.twitter.com/prtu86DpEr
Kent’s resignation follows a joint military operation launched by the US and Israel on February 28, aimed at “degrading the capabilities” of the Iranian government. In response, Tehran has retaliated by targeting US military bases and Israeli interests in the region, as well as striking major cities in Gulf nations.
This escalation comes amid rising tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program, with the US acting as a guarantor of Israel’s security. Israel has repeatedly claimed that Iran is nearing the capability to obtain a nuclear weapon, which could significantly disrupt the regional security landscape.
Tehran has consistently asserted that its nuclear ambitions are solely for peaceful purposes.
According to reports, over 1,400 individuals have lost their lives and more than 18,000 have been injured due to the US-Israeli military actions against Iran since the end of February.