Confession of Former US Anti-Terrorism Director: Deliberate Lies from the Iraq War to Iran

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA— Joseph Kent, Director of the United States National Counterterrorism Center, announced his resignation from his position on Tuesday (17/3/2026) in response to the US-Israel war against Iran. He stated that he could not in good conscience support the war, which he believes was launched by his country under pressure from Israel. In a post on platform X that included his resignation letter to President Donald Trump, the resigning US official said, “After much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective today.” Kent added in his letter: “I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran, because Iran poses no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and powerful American lobbying groups affiliated with it.” Israeli Lies from Iraq to Iran Kent accused Israeli officials and media of being responsible for the misinformation provided to Trump regarding the threat posed by Iran. In his resignation letter, he wrote, “This closed circle was used to deceive and lie to you that Iran is an urgent threat to the United States, and that if an attack is launched now, victory will be yours.” Right-Wing Military Background Kent, a former political candidate with ties to extremist right-wing groups, was appointed last July with a Senate vote of 52 to 44. As head of the National Counterterrorism Center, Kent was responsible for the analysis and detection of terrorism threats.