‘Iran Posed No Threat’: Joe Kent, Trump’s Counterterrorism Chief Resigns

Joe Kent, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), resigned unexpectedly on March 17, 2026, from Washington D.C. He stated that "Iran poses no imminent threat" to the United States and that "the Trump Administration started this war because of pressure from Israel." 

Kent, in his X social media post, said, "After much reflection, I have decided to resign my position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective today. I can no longer in good conscience support the war in Iran." 

He continued, "Iran poses no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war because of pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby." 

This is the first resignation in connection with Operation Epic Fury, as President Trump defends the strikes.

‘Iran Posed No Threat’: Joe Kent, Trump’s Counterterrorism Chief Resigns

Joe Kent heads the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), announced his resignation on X, claiming that Iran does not pose an "imminent threat" to the United States and that the Donald Trump administration launched the war against Iran because of "pressure" from Israel. 

"I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran," Kent wrote on X, adding that the war does not benefit the United States as tensions rise in the Middle East region.

Who is Joe Kent?

Joe Kent, a veteran Green Beret with 11 combat tours under his belt, as well as a CIA veteran, advanced through various military ranks after joining pre-9/11 service, later transitioning into politics with unsuccessful bids for Congress in Washington State. 

Trump nominated him in February 2025 for this position, with Kent being narrowly confirmed 52-44 to analyze global terror threats before being at odds on Iran policy. 

His wife, Shannon, a cryptologist in the Navy, died in a 2019 ISIS bombing in Syria.

Why Did Joe Kent Resign?

Kent cited ethical opposition to a war lacking imminent danger, arguing Trump's "America First" stance against endless conflicts got sidelined by Israeli lobbying and media narratives since June 2025. 

He praised Trump's past successes like killing Qasem Soleimani but warned against sacrificing U.S. lives abroad without vital national gain. 

Trump dismissed Kent as "weak on security," while Capitol Hill leaders questioned his intel sources amid classified briefings affirming Iran's risks.

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Kent's bold exit spotlights tensions in Trump's security inner circle over Iran. Watch for policy shifts as debates on war aims and alliances intensify ahead.