FBI opens investigation into counterterror chief who resigned over Iran war
FBI opens investigation into counterterror chief who resigned over Iran war
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has initiated an inquiry into Joseph Kent, a senior US counterterrorism official who recently stepped down in protest over the conflict with Iran. The probe centers on allegations that Kent disclosed sensitive information.
Resignation and Claims
Joseph Kent, 45, left his role as director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) on Tuesday, citing his inability to endorse the ongoing war in Iran. In a letter to former President Donald Trump, published on X, he stated,
“I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran.”
Kent argued that Iran did not present an immediate danger to the United States and that the conflict was driven by pressure from Israel and its influential American allies. He emphasized the lack of evidence indicating an imminent nuclear threat from Iran.
Trump’s Justification
President Trump had previously justified the war on Iran by asserting that the operation was a defensive measure against a potential nuclear attack. In a video posted on his Truth Social platform, he claimed the mission was aimed at “eliminating the imminent nuclear threat posed by Iran.”
Additionally, Trump had told The Washington Post that the objective of the bombing campaign, which resulted in the deaths of nearly 1,500 civilians—over 200 children—was to bring “freedom” to the Iranian people.
FBI Investigation Timeline
According to multiple unnamed sources reported by CBS News and The New York Times, the FBI’s probe into Kent began before his resignation. One source, speaking to Semafor, described the investigation as “months-long,” though the FBI has not yet commented on the accusations.
Kent is the highest-ranking official to resign over the Trump administration’s decision to engage in military action against Iran alongside its Israeli partner.
Leadership and Intelligence
As head of counterterrorism, Kent was responsible for analyzing and identifying threats to the US, under the supervision of US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. In a statement on X following Kent’s resignation, Gabbard stated that the final decision on Iran’s threat level rested solely with Trump.
However, commentators noted that Gabbard did not challenge Kent’s assertion that Iran lacked an immediate threat or present contradictory intelligence. In testimony to the Senate intelligence committee, Gabbard confirmed her agency observed “no efforts” by Iran to restore its nuclear enrichment program after US strikes in June of the previous year.
Interview Insights
In an interview with Tucker Carlson, Kent revealed that key decision-makers were not permitted to voice their opinions to the president, resulting in a lack of “robust debate.” He reiterated his belief that Iran was not on the brink of acquiring nuclear weapons, while the decision to attack was influenced by the Israeli lobby.
Kent pointed to remarks by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who stated on March 2 that the US military struck Iran because it anticipated an Israeli action, seeking to act “pre-emptively” to prevent an Iranian response.
Kent argued that this decision removed the argument of an imminent threat, as there was no evidence Iran was planning an immediate attack. He also highlighted the differing strategies between the US and Israel, noting that while the US hesitated to pursue regime change, Israel was “not shying away” from it.
Despite this, Kent observed that Israel “don’t seem to have a plan for what comes next,” underscoring his concerns about the lack of strategic clarity in the conflict.
