Joe Kent has resigned as the director of the US National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), effective March 17, 2026. In his resignation letter, which he shared on social media, Kent cited the ongoing war with Iran as the primary reason for his departure.
Kent, an Army veteran whose wife, Shannon Kent, died while serving in Syria in 2019, expressed his concerns over the conflict. He stated, “I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war,” emphasizing that Iran posed no imminent threat to the United States.
His resignation is notable as it marks the most high-profile departure from the Trump administration since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28. Kent accused the US of initiating the war due to pressure from Israel and its influential American lobby.
In his letter, Kent addressed President Donald Trump directly, urging him to reflect on the United States’ actions in Iran. He remarked, “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.”
Kent was confirmed as the director of the NCTC in July 2025, a position that involves advising the president on counterterrorism efforts. His resignation highlights a growing dissent within the administration regarding military actions in the Middle East.
As the situation unfolds, Kent’s departure raises questions about the future of US military strategy in the region and the potential implications for US-Israel relations. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any immediate successors or changes in policy direction following Kent’s resignation.
The reactions to Kent’s resignation have varied, with some praising his courage to speak out against the war, while others criticize the timing and implications of his departure. The broader context of US involvement in the Middle East continues to be a contentious issue among policymakers and the public alike.
