“I Cannot Support This War”: US Counterterrorism Director Resigns Over Iran Conflict

Joseph Kent, director of the US National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), has resigned, citing his refusal to support America’s role in the conflict with Iran.

The resignation follows Israel’s missile strikes on Iran on February 28, described by Israeli officials as preemptive. President Donald Trump confirmed the operation was coordinated with the United States. Iran has since continued exchanging strikes with US and Israeli forces.

The NCTC is the federal government’s lead agency for integrating and analyzing terrorism-related intelligence across departments.

Kent, a veteran deployed in combat 11 times, said he made the decision after careful reflection.

> “I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran,” Kent said. “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.”

In his statement, Kent criticized what he called misinformation campaigns by foreign and media actors that encouraged war with Iran, comparing them to tactics used to justify the Iraq War. He also referenced personal loss, noting that he lost his wife in a previous conflict he described as influenced by Israel.

Kent urged President Trump to reconsider US actions in Iran, emphasizing that the war offers no benefit to Americans and risks unnecessary loss of life. He is the first official in the administration to publicly denounce the US role in the conflict.

Following his resignation, Democratic lawmakers have questioned the administration’s strategy and pressed Congress to consider ending US military engagement in the region.