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Counterterrorism Chief Resigns, Critiques Iran War Amid FBI Probe

3/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Joe Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned on March 17, 2026, opposing the U.S. war in Iran.
He said the conflict was driven by Israeli influence, not an imminent threat.
He criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for abandoning his "America First" stance and sidelining dissent.
Following his resignation, reports said Kent is under a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigation for a leak of classified information.

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Story summary

Joe Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned on March 17, 2026, opposing the U.S. war in Iran.
He said the conflict was driven by Israeli influence, not an imminent threat.
He criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for abandoning his "America First" stance and sidelining dissent.
Following his resignation, reports said Kent is under a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigation for a leak of classified information.