Joe Kent has resigned as director of the US National Counterterrorism Center, effective March 17, 2026. His resignation comes amid the ongoing war with Iran, which he cited as the primary reason for his departure from the position.
In his resignation letter, shared on social media, Kent expressed his concerns about the current military actions, stating, “I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war.” He emphasized that Iran posed no imminent threat to the United States and accused the US of initiating the conflict due to pressure from Israel and its influential American lobby.
This resignation marks one of the most high-profile departures from the Trump administration since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28. Kent’s position as director of the National Counterterrorism Center, which advises the president on counterterrorism efforts, was confirmed in July 2025.
Kent, an Army veteran, has a personal connection to military service; his wife, Shannon Kent, died while serving in Syria in 2019. In his letter, he urged President Donald Trump to reflect on the implications of US actions in Iran, stating, “Until June of 2025, you understood that the wars in the Middle East were a trap that robbed America of the precious lives of our patriots and depleted the wealth and prosperity of our nation.”
His resignation has sparked discussions about dissent within the Trump administration regarding military strategies and foreign policy. Kent’s departure may signal growing unease among officials regarding the ongoing conflict.
As reactions unfold, it remains to be seen how this resignation will impact the administration’s approach to Iran and broader counterterrorism efforts. Kent’s statements have already drawn attention and could influence public sentiment regarding US military involvement in the region.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any immediate successors or changes in the National Counterterrorism Center’s leadership following Kent’s resignation.
