United States President, Donald Trump, has criticised former counterterrorism chief Joseph Kent following his resignation over America’s involvement in the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Kent, who served as director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), stepped down in protest, citing strong opposition to the war. Reacting in an interview on Fox News, Trump welcomed his exit, describing him as weak on security and suggesting his resignation was justified after reading his remarks that Iran did not pose a serious threat.
The resignation comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, which intensified on February 28 after Israel launched what it described as pre-emptive missile strikes on Iran. Trump later confirmed that the operation was carried out in coordination with the United States, marking a significant escalation in hostilities.
Since then, Iran has engaged in multiple retaliatory strikes involving both US and Israeli forces, raising fears of a prolonged regional conflict. Kent, who was at the centre of US counterterrorism intelligence coordination before his exit, said his decision followed deep reflection and a growing inability to support the administration’s military approach.
“I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran,” he stated, arguing that the country posed no imminent threat to the United States. He further claimed that the conflict was influenced by external pressures rather than clear national security priorities.
Kent also suggested that the current strategy deviates from earlier policies under Trump, which he said avoided prolonged military engagements. He referenced past operations, including actions against ISIS and the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, as examples of more targeted use of force.
According to him, certain political and media actors contributed to shaping a narrative that justified the war, creating what he described as a misleading perception of urgency and an easy path to victory. He warned that such dynamics echoed the lead-up to the Iraq war, urging caution against repeating similar mistakes.
The former NCTC director, who disclosed multiple deployments to combat zones, also cited personal losses in past conflicts as part of his reasoning. He urged the administration to reconsider its involvement, warning against committing future generations to a war with limited benefit to American interests.
Kent’s resignation marks a rare instance of public dissent within the administration and has drawn attention to potential divisions in US national security circles. Meanwhile, some Democratic lawmakers are pushing for congressional action to review and possibly limit America’s military role in the region.
