Joe Kent, the director of the National Counterterrorism Centre, announced his resignation on Tuesday (March 17, 2026), saying he “cannot in good conscience” back the Trump administration's war in Iran.
Iran-Israel war LIVE
Mr. Kent said on social media, 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.” There was no immediate comment from the White House.
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Mr. Kent, a former political candidate with connections to right-wing extremists, was confirmed to his post last July on a 52-44 vote.
