Joe Kent speaks out against Iran war at prayer event after resigning

In March 2026, Joe Kent, former director of the US National Counterterrorism Center, publicly stated his opposition to a potential war with Iran at a prayer event in Washington. Kent announced that he had resigned from his position due to his inability to support military action in Iran. He cited his conscience as the reason, stating he could not, in good conscience, send American service members to fight and potentially die in a foreign war. The resignation and subsequent statement highlight Kent's disagreement with the US government's approach to Iran.

Joe Kent, who recently resigned as national counter-terrorism center director, fears potential retaliation after criticizing the US and Israel's war against Iran. Kent resigned because he believes the war, started without congressional authorization, was initiated due to pressure from Israel and its American lobby, despite Iran posing no imminent threat. He expressed concern about potential government action against him for speaking out, referencing past instances under the Trump administration. Despite these concerns, Kent maintains he acted correctly and would do it again. Kent, a former Trump supporter, has faced criticism for past associations and views, including defending the January 6th Capitol attack and promoting election conspiracy theories.

The FBI is investigating Joe Kent, Donald Trump's former top counter-terrorism official, for allegedly leaking classified information. The investigation reportedly began before Kent's resignation as US National Counterterrorism Center director earlier this week. Kent resigned citing his inability to support a war with Iran, claiming the country posed no imminent threat to the US, a statement the White House refuted. Following his resignation, accusations surfaced that Kent was often at the center of national security leaks and worked to undermine the President. Kent has publicly claimed the decision to attack Iran was led by Israel, a statement that has been criticized as antisemitic.