Trump's top counterterrorism official quits over Iran war with stinging attackJoe Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Centre, has resigned saying he cannot back Trump's war in Iran, claiming it was started due to pressure from Israel and its lobbyView 2 Images Donald Trump has been issued a huge blow after a major resignation (Image: SAUL LOEB, AFP via Getty Images)Donald Trump's leading counterterrorism official abruptly resigned today, delivering a scathing critique of the US President's conflict in Iran. ‌Joe Kent, the director of the National Counterterrorism Centre, announced his resignation, stating he "cannot in good conscience" support the administration's war in the Middle East, asserting that Iran "posed no imminent threat to our nation." ‌In a social media post, he declared: "It is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby." ‌His departure will likely be interpreted as evidence of fractures within Trump's MAGA base, with numerous high-profile right-wing figures strongly condemning Trump's bombing of Iran. Democrats scrutinised Kent for his involvement in a group chat on Signal utilised by Trump's national security team to discuss sensitive military strategies.

Source: Daily Mirror March 17, 2026 16:15 UTC