Donald Trump's top counterterrorism official has resigned over the war in Iran, urging the president to 'reverse course'. In a letter posted on X, National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent said that Iran posed 'no imminent threat' to the US and claimed the administration 'started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby'. The White House dismissed the letter, saying the president had 'compelling evidence' that Iran was going to attack the US first. A US hate monitor accused Kent of 'antisemitic tropes'. With his departure, Kent is the most high-profile figure within the Trump administration to publicly criticise the US-Israeli attack on Iran.

In the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump said Kent was a 'nice guy', but 'weak on security', and noted that Kent's resignation letter made him realize 'it was a good thing that he's out'. Kent alleged that 'high-ranking Israeli officials' and influential US journalists had sown 'misinformation' that led the president to undermine his 'America First' platform, calling the perception that Iran posed an imminent threat a 'lie'. Kent’s resignation from a prominent counterterrorism role amid current military engagement with Iran raises questions about the administration's direction.

The political fallout has been mixed, with figures like Mitch McConnell condemning Kent’s position while some, including Marjorie Taylor Greene, voiced support for him. This incident highlights a growing rift within the Trump administration concerning foreign policy, particularly regarding Iran.