US-Israel War with Iran: Top Counterterrorism Official Resigns, Citing Israeli Influence
The war initiated by the United States and Israel against Iran has entered its third week, marked by a significant development within the US administration. Joe Kent, the head of the National Counterterrorism Center, has resigned, publicly criticizing Israel’s role in escalating the conflict.
Resignation Over Disagreement with War Policy
Kent’s resignation marks the first instance of a senior official in President Trump’s administration stepping down due to disagreement with the ongoing war in Iran. In a letter posted on social media, Kent asserted that Iran does not pose a direct threat to the United States and attributed the conflict’s origins to pressure from Israel and its lobbying efforts.
“With a clear conscience, support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran does not pose a direct threat to our country, and we started this war because of pressure from Israel and its powerful lobby,” Kent wrote, as reported by Reuters [1].
White House Response and Kent’s Background
Karoline Leavitt, a White House spokesperson, dismissed Kent’s claims as “false,” maintaining that President Trump possesses “strong and convincing evidence” of an impending Iranian attack on the United States [1]. Leavitt stated this evidence was gathered from multiple sources.
Kent, known for his consistent opposition to US military intervention abroad, had previously been close to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Gabbard has remained publicly silent since the start of the US-Israel war on Iran, appearing only during ceremonies honoring US soldiers killed in the conflict.
Intelligence Assessments and Potential Retaliation
The National Intelligence Council, under Gabbard’s oversight, had issued several assessments both before and after the US attack began, highlighting the risks associated with US intervention. These reports suggested that the Iranian government is unlikely to collapse and is likely to retaliate against US outposts and allies in the Middle East [1].
Escalating Conflict and Rising Death Toll
As of March 18, 2026, the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran is in its 18th day, with tensions intensifying across the Middle East. The United States and Israel have expanded their targets within Iran, moving beyond nuclear enrichment sites to include military assets and leadership. According to Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, more than 1,300 people have died in Iran [2]. The conflict has also resulted in the deaths of 8 US service members and at least 175 students, reportedly killed in a US strike on an Iranian elementary school [2].
Recent Developments
- Iran has confirmed the deaths of top officials Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani following Israeli strikes.
- President Trump has stated the US does not “need or desire” NATO assistance in the conflict.
- Israel has vowed to target Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
- There are concerns the war could push 45 million more people into hunger.
- Multiple explosions have been reported across Dubai following the interception of incoming projectiles.
The situation remains volatile, with both the US and Israel indicating the war may continue for weeks, and Tehran signaling its unwillingness to back down [3].
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