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Counterterrorism Chief Resigns, Protests Iran War Ahead of Midterms

3/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Joe Kent, the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned on March 18, 2026, in protest of the U.S. war against Iran.
In his resignation letter, he argued Iran posed no imminent threat and criticized the war as driven by Israel and its lobby.
Analysts say the resignation signals broader discontent within President Donald Trump's base ahead of the midterms.

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Story summary

Joe Kent, the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned on March 18, 2026, in protest of the U.S. war against Iran.
In his resignation letter, he argued Iran posed no imminent threat and criticized the war as driven by Israel and its lobby.
Analysts say the resignation signals broader discontent within President Donald Trump's base ahead of the midterms.