A senior U.S. security official has stepped down in protest over the ongoing conflict with Iran, declaring that the country does not pose an imminent threat to the United States.
Joseph Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Center, announced his resignation on Tuesday in a strongly worded letter addressed to Donald Trump.
“I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran,” Kent wrote, citing deep concerns over the justification for the conflict.
First major resignation over Iran war
Kent becomes the first senior official in the Trump administration to resign in opposition to the U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran, highlighting growing tensions within Washington over the war.
The former Green Beret, who served multiple combat tours, argued that intelligence assessments did not support claims of an immediate threat from Tehran.
“Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation,” he stated, adding that the conflict was driven by external pressure rather than direct national security concerns.
Claims of misinformation and political pressure
In his resignation letter, Kent alleged that pro-war narratives were shaped by external influence, including pressure from Israel and what he described as influential lobbying and media campaigns in the U.S.
He warned that such messaging created a false sense of urgency and misled policymakers into backing military action.
“This echo chamber was used to convince leadership that there was a clear path to a swift victory,” he said, calling the premise “misleading.”
Warning against prolonged conflict
Kent also drew parallels with past U.S. military engagements in the Middle East, cautioning against repeating costly mistakes.
He argued that prolonged wars in the region have historically drained national resources and led to significant loss of American lives, without delivering clear strategic benefits.
“I cannot support sending the next generation to fight in a war that does not serve the American people,” he added.
Rising debate in Washington
His resignation is expected to intensify debate within U.S. political and security circles as the conflict with Iran deepens.
Analysts say the move signals internal divisions over the war’s objectives and long-term consequences, raising fresh questions about America’s military strategy in the Middle East.
