Top U.S. Security Official Resigns Over Iran War
Top U.S. Security Official Resigns Over Iran War
On March 17, 2026, Joe Kent, the Director of the U.S.
National Counterterrorism Center, resigned from his post, citing strong opposition to the ongoing war in Iran.
In a statement on social media, Kent, a decorated combat veteran, declared he could not in good conscience support a conflict that he believes does not represent an imminent threat to the United States.
Kent described the current military campaign as a disastrous mistake, drawing direct comparisons to the lead-up to the Iraq War.
In response, President Donald Trump dismissed Kent's concerns, publicly labeling the former official as weak on national security.
This high-profile resignation highlights deepening divisions within the U.S. government regarding foreign policy.
The conflict, which began in late February 2026 through joint U.S.-Israeli strikes, has already caused thousands of casualties and disrupted global energy markets by forcing the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
