Investing.com -- Joe Kent resigned from his position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center on Tuesday, citing his opposition to the ongoing war in Iran.

In his resignation letter addressed to President Trump, Kent stated he could not support the war, asserting that Iran posed no imminent threat to the United States. Kent claimed the war began due to pressure from Israel and what he described as its American lobby.

Kent, who deployed to combat 11 times during his military career, referenced his personal loss as a Gold Star husband. His wife Shannon died in what he characterized as a war manufactured by Israel.

In the letter, Kent expressed support for the foreign policy values Trump campaigned on in 2016, 2020, and 2024, which were enacted during Trump’s first term. Kent stated that until June 2025, the President understood that Middle East wars drained American lives and national wealth.

Kent alleged that high-ranking Israeli officials and American media members conducted a misinformation campaign that undermined Trump’s America First platform. He claimed this campaign deceived the President into believing Iran posed an imminent threat and that a swift victory was possible.

The former director drew parallels to the Iraq war, stating that similar tactics were used by Israel to draw the United States into that conflict, which resulted in thousands of American casualties.

Kent’s resignation letter urged Trump to reverse course on the Iran policy. The resignation took effect Tuesday.