In a stunning development, Joseph Kent, Director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), announced his resignation, citing deep concerns over the United States’ ongoing military posture toward Iran.
The letter, addressed to President Donald Trump, outlines Kent’s objections to U.S. foreign policy decisions and highlights tensions between strategic objectives and political pressures.
Kent’s resignation letter, released publicly, states, “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.”
He argues that the conflicts in the Middle East, particularly in Iran, have been exacerbated by external influences rather than by immediate national security needs.
The departing NCTC chief also reflected on his tenure and the administration’s foreign policy decisions over the past decade.
“I support the values and the foreign policies that you campaigned on in 2016, 2020, 2024, which you enacted in your first term. Until June of 2025, you understood that the wars in the Middle East were a trap that robbed America of the precious lives of our patriots and depleted the wealth and prosperity of our nation,” Kent wrote.
Kent emphasized his concern over the use of military force without clear, achievable objectives.
“In your first administration, you understood better than any modern President how to decisively apply military power without getting us drawn into never-ending wars. You demonstrated this by killing Qasam Solamani and by defeating ISIS,” he stated, referencing the former Iranian general and the defeat of the Islamic State as examples of measured strategic action.
The resignation also raises the issue of misinformation campaigns and media influence on public perception.
“Early in this administration, high-ranking Israeli officials and influential members of the American media deployed a misinformation campaign that wholly undermined your America First platform and sowed pro-war sentiments to encourage a war with Iran.
This echo chamber was used to deceive you into believing that Iran posed an imminent threat to the United States, and that should you strike now, there was a clear path to a swift victory. This was a lie,” Kent wrote.
Kent, a decorated veteran who deployed in combat 11 times, also cited personal loss as a factor in his decision.
“As a veteran who deployed to combat 11 times and as a Gold Star husband who lost my beloved wife Shannon in a war manufactured by Israel, I cannot support 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,” he wrote.
Kent called for reflection and strategic recalibration, urging the administration to reconsider its approach.
“I pray that you will reflect upon what we are doing in Iran, and who we are doing it for. The time for bold action is now. You can reverse course and chart a new path for our nation, or you can allow us to slip further toward decline and chaos. You hold the cards,” he said.