NCTC director quits in protest over Iran operation, blames pro-Israel lobby

2026-03-17 - 14:34

Amid significant divisions within the US administration – and among the American public – over the joint US-Israeli operation against Iran, Joe Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), resigned Tuesday. In a post on his X account, to which he attached his official resignation letter, Kent wrote: "After much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective today. I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran," the statement read. After much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective today. I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this... pic.twitter.com/prtu86DpEr — Joe Kent (@joekent16jan19) March 17, 2026 "Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby. It has been an honor to serve under POTUS and DNIGabbard and to lead the professionals at NCTC. May God bless America." Kent, 45, served 20 years in the US Army, including 11 combat deployments primarily in Iraq, before leaving to work for the CIA. His wife, Shannon, served in the US Navy and was killed in an ISIS suicide bombing in Manbij, Syria, in January 2019. Kent entered politics following her death and ran twice for Congress as a Republican, losing both times. In February 2025, Trump appointed him director of the National Counterterrorism Center, where he also served as a senior aide to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. His appointment was confirmed by the Senate in July 2025 by a vote of 52 to 44, along party lines. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard speaks during a press briefing, at the White House in Washington, D.C., US, July 23, 2025 (Photo: REUTERS/Kent Nishimura) This marks the first resignation since the operation began – an operation that has drawn widespread criticism over the justification for the strikes, particularly against the backdrop of simultaneous reports of reduced operational readiness and allegations that Israel "forced America's hand" into the fight. Kent's resignation sheds light on tensions at the top of the US intelligence community, centered on Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Gabbard, who appointed Kent to his post, is known for championing a staunchly isolationist line that opposes American military involvement overseas. She previously sparked controversy when she met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and expressed skepticism about the chemical attacks attributed to his regime. Gabbard's positions on Iran have brought her into direct conflict with President Donald Trump over the current campaign. She has consistently argued that the war does not serve American interests – a stance that has seen her sidelined in White House decision-making. Administration officials noted that in recent months she has been "almost completely shut out" of the most sensitive operational discussions on the Iranian front.