Trump’s counterterrorism chief quits over Iran war, blames policy decisions, Israel influence

In a major development amid Israel, US war with Iran, the Director of the US National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), Joe Kent, has stepped down with immediate effect, marking the first high-level resignation from President Donald Trump’s administration in protest against the ongoing Iran conflict.

In a public statement, Kent said he could no longer support the war, arguing that it was not justified by any immediate threat to the United States. He described his decision as the result of serious reflection and said continuing in the role would go against his conscience.

Kent, in his resignation letter to President Trump, questioned the basis of the military action, stating that there was no credible intelligence indicating an imminent attack from Iran. He warned that the US risked repeating past strategic errors in the Middle East by entering a costly conflict under questionable assumptions.

He further in an interview with American activist Tucker Carlson said that the escalation was influenced by Israel’s actions and expectations of US backing, adding that Washington had the ability to prevent the situation from intensifying but chose not to. Kent cautioned against decisions shaped by external pressure and misinformation, saying such choices could put American lives at risk.

Drawing from his experience, he said he could not support sending American troops into a war that, in his view, does not serve national interest or justify the potential loss of lives.

Despite his criticism, Kent acknowledged his tenure, calling it an honor to serve under President Trump and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and praised the work of NCTC officials.

(With inputs from syndicated feed)