US Counterterrorism Chief Resigns Over Iran War, Urges Trump to ‘Reverse Course’

The head of US counterterrorism has stepped down in protest over the ongoing war with Iran, publicly urging President Donald Trump to change direction.

Joe Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Center, announced his resignation in a letter posted on social media, sharply criticising the administration’s handling of the conflict.

In the letter, Kent argued that Iran posed “no imminent threat” to the United States and claimed the war had been initiated under pressure from Israel and its allies within the US.

Kent, a 45-year-old veteran of US special forces and the Central Intelligence Agency, also called on the administration to “reverse course,” warning of the broader consequences of continued military escalation.

The White House swiftly rejected his claims, maintaining that the president had acted on credible intelligence indicating an imminent Iranian threat.

Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump downplayed Kent’s departure, describing him as a “nice guy” but “weak on security.”

The president added that the resignation letter reinforced his belief that Kent’s exit was justified and reiterated his disagreement with the former counterterrorism chief’s assessment of Iran.

Kent’s resignation marks one of the most senior-level public breaks within the administration over the conflict, highlighting growing divisions in Washington over US policy toward Iran.