The Director of the National Counterterrorism Centre, Joe Kent, has resigned with immediate effect, citing opposition to the United States’ ongoing war in Iran.

In a strongly worded resignation letter addressed to Donald Trump, Kent said he could no longer support the conflict, claiming Iran posed “no imminent threat” to the United States and alleging the war was driven by external pressure.

“I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran,” he wrote, adding that the decision to engage militarily was influenced by “pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.”

Kent, who also paid tribute to his time serving under the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and Tulsi Gabbard, described his tenure as an honour but said his personal convictions left him no choice but to step down.

In his letter, the former director criticised what he called a “misinformation campaign” that he claims shifted US foreign policy toward war, warning against repeating what he described as past mistakes in the Middle East.

A military veteran, Kent referenced his own experience in combat and personal loss, stating he could not support sending American troops into a conflict he believes does not serve US interests.

The resignation comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and growing scrutiny over Washington’s role in the conflict with Iran.

After much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective today.

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

— Joe Kent (@joekent16jan19) March 17, 2026

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