ARTICLE AD BOX
Last Updated:March 18, 2026, 05:52 IST
Joe Kent asserted that the United States had started the Iran war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.

Joe Kent resigned from the post of director of the US National Counterterrorism Center in opposition to Trump government's stance on Iran war. (Combo pics: AP/AFP)
The administration led by Donald Trump is encountering opposition in the US amid the ongoing conflict with Iran, with the latest indication being the resignation of the director of the US National Counterterrorism Center, who advised the President on “terror" threats.
Joseph Kent, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), on Tuesday announced his resignation in protest against the ongoing war in Iran and said that Iran “posed no imminent threat to our nation".
He asserted that the United States had started the war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.
Taking to X, he shared his resignation letter and wrote, “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 war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby. It has been an honor serving under @POTUS and @DNIGabbard and leading the professionals at NCTC. May God bless America," he added.
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
Trump Responds
Reacting to the resignation, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that seeing Kent’s resignation statement made him realise “it’s a good thing that he’s out. The President called Kent “a nice guy" who was “very weak on security".
Kent’s resignation is the most high-profile exit from the Trump administration since the US-Israel attack on Iran on February 28.
However, Kent is not the only MAGA activist to have distanced from Trump over the Iran war. High-profile MAGA supporters, including Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly, have expressed reservations over the conflict.
Location :
United States of America (USA)
First Published:
March 18, 2026, 05:52 IST
News world 'Pressure From Israel': Why US Counterterrorism Chief Turned Against Trump Over Iran War
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Read More

1 hour ago
1





English (US) ·