{"id":43709,"date":"2026-03-20T00:20:22","date_gmt":"2026-03-20T00:20:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=43709"},"modified":"2026-03-20T00:20:22","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T00:20:22","slug":"top-u-s-counterterrorism-director-resigns-over-iran-war-stance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=43709","title":{"rendered":"Top U.S. Counterterrorism Director Resigns Over Iran War Stance"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"248\" data-end=\"560\">Joe Kent, a retired U.S. Army Green Beret and longtime supporter of former President Donald Trump, has resigned as the director of the\u00a0<strong data-start=\"383\" data-end=\"424\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">National Counterterrorism Center<\/span><\/span><\/strong>, announcing his departure amid growing controversy over the United States\u2019 ongoing war in Iran.<\/p><div class=\"pwfxt69ff090817aa0\" ><div style=\"width:100%; max-width:1200px; margin:0 auto;\">\n  <a href=\"https:\/\/bolt-casino.com?r=0BFDBF1283\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n    <img \n      src=\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/f8693ebb-2018-480f-a2f7-0096810c07f0.jpg\" \n      alt=\"200% Deposit Bonus + 10% Cashback\" \n      style=\"width:100%; height:auto; display:block; border-radius:8px; cursor:pointer;\"\n    \/>\n  <\/a>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">\r\n@media screen and (min-width: 1201px) {\r\n.pwfxt69ff090817aa0 {\r\ndisplay: block;\r\n}\r\n}\r\n@media screen and (min-width: 993px) and (max-width: 1200px) {\r\n.pwfxt69ff090817aa0 {\r\ndisplay: block;\r\n}\r\n}\r\n@media screen and (min-width: 769px) and (max-width: 992px) {\r\n.pwfxt69ff090817aa0 {\r\ndisplay: block;\r\n}\r\n}\r\n@media screen and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 768px) {\r\n.pwfxt69ff090817aa0 {\r\ndisplay: block;\r\n}\r\n}\r\n@media screen and (max-width: 767px) {\r\n.pwfxt69ff090817aa0 {\r\ndisplay: block;\r\n}\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\n<p data-start=\"562\" data-end=\"814\">Kent\u2019s resignation was made public on\u00a0<strong data-start=\"600\" data-end=\"618\">March 17, 2026<\/strong>, when he posted a letter on the social platform X explaining why he could no longer serve in his senior intelligence role under the current administration.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"816\" data-end=\"1115\">In his letter, Kent wrote that he \u201ccannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran\u201d because he believed that Tehran posed \u201cno imminent threat to our nation.\u201d His comments marked a rare public break from a senior official in the Trump administration.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1117\" data-end=\"1371\">Kent directly challenged the administration\u2019s stated justification for military action against Iran, asserting that the conflict was influenced by outside pressure rather than an immediate national security danger.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1373\" data-end=\"1641\">\u201cIran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby,\u201d Kent wrote, repeating a claim that has drawn intense attention and controversy.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1373\" data-end=\"1641\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-28446 lzl-ed lzl-cached\" src=\"https:\/\/likya.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/I3XQNSHDWJPAZCXNMVLGHEEZBU-600x540.avif\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"540\" data-lzl-src=\"https:\/\/likya.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/I3XQNSHDWJPAZCXNMVLGHEEZBU-600x540.avif\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1643\" data-end=\"1915\">In addressing his resignation to former President Trump, Kent emphasized that he once supported many of Trump\u2019s policy positions but could not continue endorsing what he terms an unnecessary war costing American lives and resources.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1917\" data-end=\"2196\">Kent\u2019s letter also reflected on the administration\u2019s foreign policy trajectory, suggesting that early reluctance to engage in prolonged conflicts had given way to deeper entanglement in the Middle East, including the ongoing Iran campaign.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2198\" data-end=\"2459\">Kent is a decorated military veteran who spent more than two decades in uniform, including service in\u00a0<strong data-start=\"2300\" data-end=\"2335\">U.S. Special Forces and the CIA<\/strong>, rising through the ranks and deploying repeatedly during the Global War on Terror.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2461\" data-end=\"2698\">Born in 1980 in Oregon, Joseph Clay Kent began his career in the U.S. Army and later worked with the\u00a0<strong data-start=\"2562\" data-end=\"2593\">Central Intelligence Agency<\/strong>\u00a0before transitioning into\u00a0<a class=\"google-anno\" href=\"https:\/\/likya.org\/top-u-s-counterterrorism-director-resigns-over-iran-war-stance\/#\" data-google-vignette=\"false\" data-google-interstitial=\"false\">\u00a0<span class=\"google-anno-t\">political<\/span><\/a>\u00a0advocacy and public service.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2700\" data-end=\"2937\">After retiring in 2018, Kent became involved in conservative\u00a0<a class=\"google-anno\" href=\"https:\/\/likya.org\/top-u-s-counterterrorism-director-resigns-over-iran-war-stance\/#\" data-google-vignette=\"false\" data-google-interstitial=\"false\">\u00a0<span class=\"google-anno-t\">politics<\/span><\/a>, running for Congress in\u00a0<strong data-start=\"2795\" data-end=\"2824\">Washington\u2019s 3rd District<\/strong>\u00a0in both 2022 and 2024, although he was unsuccessful in both campaigns.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2939\" data-end=\"3189\">In February 2025, then\u2011President Trump nominated Kent to lead the National Counterterrorism Center, the federal agency responsible for analyzing terror threats and coordinating intelligence across government.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3191\" data-end=\"3418\">The U.S. Senate confirmed Kent\u2019s appointment in July 2025 in a closely divided vote, highlighting sharp partisan divisions over national security leadership and intelligence priorities.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3191\" data-end=\"3418\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-28447 lzl-ed lzl-cached\" src=\"https:\/\/likya.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DonaldTrump-MikeJohnson-768x403-1-600x403.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"403\" data-lzl-src=\"https:\/\/likya.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DonaldTrump-MikeJohnson-768x403-1-600x403.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3420\" data-end=\"3660\">As director, Kent oversaw the agency charged with tracking known or suspected terrorists worldwide and advising policymakers on emerging threats, including extremist networks and geopolitical risks.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3662\" data-end=\"3936\">Kent\u2019s resignation makes him one of the most senior government officials to publicly break with the Trump administration over its policies in the\u00a0<strong data-start=\"3808\" data-end=\"3825\">2026 Iran war<\/strong>, a conflict that has drawn widespread debate across political lines.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3938\" data-end=\"4194\">The war erupted following military actions earlier in the year, and U.S. strikes on Iranian targets, including high\u2011profile leadership figures, have deeply divided opinion within Washington and across U.S. society.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4196\" data-end=\"4429\">In his letter, Kent also argued that the narrative justifying the war relied on misinformation, with foreign influence shaping policymakers\u2019 perceptions of Iran\u2019s threat to American security.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4431\" data-end=\"4674\">He recalled that past U.S. conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the\u00a0<strong data-start=\"4505\" data-end=\"4517\">Iraq War<\/strong>, were based on flawed or misleading claims, lessons he believes have been forgotten in the current administration.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4676\" data-end=\"4946\">For decades, Kent\u2019s career reflected staunch support for strong U.S. national defense and robust counterterrorism efforts. His resignation signals a complicated shift in his views regarding prolonged foreign military engagement.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4948\" data-end=\"5189\">Kent also referenced his personal\u00a0<a class=\"google-anno\" href=\"https:\/\/likya.org\/top-u-s-counterterrorism-director-resigns-over-iran-war-stance\/#\" data-google-vignette=\"false\" data-google-interstitial=\"false\">\u00a0<span class=\"google-anno-t\">history<\/span><\/a>\u00a0in the context of war, including the death of his wife,\u00a0<strong data-start=\"5046\" data-end=\"5062\">Shannon Kent<\/strong>, a Navy cryptologic technician who was killed in a suicide bombing in Syria in 2019.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4948\" data-end=\"5189\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-28448 lzl-ed lzl-cached\" src=\"https:\/\/likya.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/2026-03-17t153621z_1395567925_rc2e6kaf9zfh_rtrmadp_3_iran-crisis-usa-resignation-600x512.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"512\" data-lzl-src=\"https:\/\/likya.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/2026-03-17t153621z_1395567925_rc2e6kaf9zfh_rtrmadp_3_iran-crisis-usa-resignation-600x512.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5191\" data-end=\"5428\">Many who have followed Kent\u2019s career note that his stance represents a unique combination of military service, conservative political views, and profound personal losses tied to global conflicts.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5430\" data-end=\"5686\">Despite his earlier military and political alignment with hawkish policies, Kent\u2019s resignation underscored a deeper concern about U.S. engagement in what he termed unnecessary wars that offer little strategic gain.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5688\" data-end=\"5989\">Administration officials have pushed back against Kent\u2019s assertions. President Trump publicly criticized Kent\u2019s resignation, dismissing his concerns and accusing him of being \u201cweak on security,\u201d a comment that reflects sharp tension within the administration.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5991\" data-end=\"6230\">In a rare direct response to media questions, the president reiterated his belief that strong action on foreign threats, including Iran, is necessary to protect U.S. interests and global stability.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6232\" data-end=\"6504\">Critics of Kent have also pointed to earlier controversies, including allegations that he pressured intelligence analysts to align their findings with political narratives rather than objective assessments, a charge he has denied.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6506\" data-end=\"6765\">The broader debate over the war in Iran has exposed deep divisions within U.S. political and intelligence communities, with some leaders echoing Kent\u2019s concerns and others advocating for continued military engagement.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6767\" data-end=\"7019\">Opposition voices argue that prolonged conflict risks drawing the United States into a cycle of never\u2011ending wars, while supporters contend that confronting perceived threats is essential for national security.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7021\" data-end=\"7309\">Kent\u2019s resignation letter also referenced a broader foreign policy philosophy he previously shared with Trump: skepticism toward prolonged American involvement in Middle Eastern wars, a stance that helped shape Trump\u2019s early statements in office.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7021\" data-end=\"7309\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-28449 lzl-ed lzl-cached\" src=\"https:\/\/likya.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Official_portrait_of_the_Director_of_the_National_Counterterrorism_Center_Joe_Kent-600x540.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"540\" data-lzl-src=\"https:\/\/likya.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Official_portrait_of_the_Director_of_the_National_Counterterrorism_Center_Joe_Kent-600x540.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7311\" data-end=\"7584\">As the first senior national security official to resign over the Iran war, Kent\u2019s departure is being closely watched by lawmakers, analysts, and foreign policy experts who see it as emblematic of larger fractures in U.S. strategy.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7586\" data-end=\"7833\">In his letter, Kent urged a reevaluation of U.S. objectives in the Middle East, arguing that the costs in both lives and resources outweigh any supposed strategic benefits of continued military engagement.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7835\" data-end=\"8114\">He also challenged traditional assumptions about alliances and influence in Washington, suggesting that certain foreign actors and\u00a0<a class=\"google-anno\" href=\"https:\/\/likya.org\/top-u-s-counterterrorism-director-resigns-over-iran-war-stance\/#\" data-google-vignette=\"false\" data-google-interstitial=\"false\">\u00a0<span class=\"google-anno-t\">political<\/span><\/a>\u00a0lobbying efforts have shaped U.S. policy more than transparent national interest considerations.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8116\" data-end=\"8354\">Analysts say Kent\u2019s resignation may embolden other officials within the administration or intelligence community who quietly question the war\u2019s rationale but have been reluctant to speak publicly.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8356\" data-end=\"8605\">Some members of Congress have since issued statements regarding Kent\u2019s departure, reflecting a growing bipartisan discussion about the justification, conduct, and future direction of U.S. operations in Iran.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8607\" data-end=\"8840\">Others in the Republican Party continue to support the war, arguing that deterrence and proactive defense strategies are critical to maintaining global stability and U.S. strategic advantage.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8842\" data-end=\"9090\">On the diplomatic front, U.S. allies and foreign governments have also weighed in, with varied opinions on the legitimacy and consequences of the war, illustrating the complexity of international responses.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"9092\" data-end=\"9348\">Kent\u2019s resignation will likely remain a defining moment in the ongoing debate over U.S. foreign policy, serving as both an internal critique and public challenge to the administration\u2019s strategy in the Middle East.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"9092\" data-end=\"9348\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-28450 lzl-ed lzl-cached\" src=\"https:\/\/likya.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/download-26.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" data-lzl-src=\"https:\/\/likya.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/download-26.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"9350\" data-end=\"9598\">Whether his stance leads to policy shifts or further high\u2011level departures remains uncertain, but the episode has intensified scrutiny over how and why the United States conducts military operations abroad.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"9600\" data-end=\"9884\">As the United States continues its military campaign in Iran, Kent\u2019s critics and supporters alike acknowledge that his resignation has sparked broader conversations about patriotism, duty, and the role of military force in modern geopolitics.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"9886\" data-end=\"10133\">His departure, effective immediately, leaves a vacancy at the top of the National Counterterrorism Center, with administrators naming an acting successor while the office searches for permanent leadership.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"10135\" data-end=\"10390\">In announcing the leadership transition, government officials said they remain committed to national security objectives while respecting the diverse views within the intelligence community that such roles entail.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"10392\" data-end=\"10641\">Kent\u2019s resignation underscores the intense pressure on top officials tasked with balancing political directives, national security priorities, and ethical considerations in an era of complex global conflict.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"10643\" data-end=\"10936\">Ultimately, the significance of Kent\u2019s stand may lie less in its immediate policy impact and more in its ability to stimulate broader public debate about war, national interest, and the influence of international relationships on U.S. strategy abroad.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"10938\" data-end=\"11194\">His departure marks a historic moment in contemporary American\u00a0<a class=\"google-anno\" href=\"https:\/\/likya.org\/top-u-s-counterterrorism-director-resigns-over-iran-war-stance\/#\" data-google-vignette=\"false\" data-google-interstitial=\"false\">\u00a0<span class=\"google-anno-t\">politics<\/span><\/a>, one that will be analyzed in policy circles, academic forums, and media outlets as the 2026 Iran war continues to shape U.S. foreign affairs.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Joe Kent, a retired U.S. Army Green Beret and longtime supporter of former President Donald Trump, has resigned as the director of the\u00a0National Counterterrorism Center, announcing his departure amid growing controversy over the United States\u2019 ongoing war in Iran. Kent\u2019s resignation was made public on\u00a0March 17, 2026, when he posted a letter on the social&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":43710,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"default","_kad_post_title":"default","_kad_post_layout":"default","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"default","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"default","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[19,17,11,20,24,15,12,25,22,18,16,21,14,23,13],"class_list":["post-43709","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-chronic-diseases","tag-fitness","tag-health-tips","tag-healthcare-technology","tag-healthy-lifestyle","tag-healthy-living","tag-medical-advice","tag-medical-awareness","tag-medical-research","tag-mental-health","tag-nutrition","tag-patient-care","tag-preventive-care","tag-public-health","tag-wellness"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Top U.S. Counterterrorism Director Resigns Over Iran War Stance - VM News<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=43709\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Top U.S. Counterterrorism Director Resigns Over Iran War Stance - VM News\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Joe Kent, a retired U.S. Army Green Beret and longtime supporter of former President Donald Trump, has resigned as the director of the\u00a0National Counterterrorism Center, announcing his departure amid growing controversy over the United States\u2019 ongoing war in Iran. Kent\u2019s resignation was made public on\u00a0March 17, 2026, when he posted a letter on the social...\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=43709\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"VM News\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-03-20T00:20:22+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/653710882_122174267228770521_915977755154307280_n.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1350\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"vmfavorite\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"vmfavorite\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=43709#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=43709\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"vmfavorite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/#\/schema\/person\/a2e30a4c480fba08110aa92dceebedad\"},\"headline\":\"Top U.S. Counterterrorism Director Resigns Over Iran War Stance\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-20T00:20:22+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=43709\"},\"wordCount\":1377,\"commentCount\":0,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=43709#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/653710882_122174267228770521_915977755154307280_n.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Chronic Diseases\",\"Fitness\",\"Health Tips\",\"Healthcare Technology\",\"Healthy Lifestyle\",\"Healthy Living\",\"Medical Advice\",\"Medical Awareness\",\"Medical Research\",\"Mental Health\",\"Nutrition\",\"Patient Care\",\"Preventive Care\",\"Public Health\",\"Wellness\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=43709#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=43709\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=43709\",\"name\":\"Top U.S. Counterterrorism Director Resigns Over Iran War Stance - VM News\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=43709#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=43709#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/653710882_122174267228770521_915977755154307280_n.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-20T00:20:22+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/#\/schema\/person\/a2e30a4c480fba08110aa92dceebedad\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=43709#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=43709\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=43709#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/653710882_122174267228770521_915977755154307280_n.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/653710882_122174267228770521_915977755154307280_n.jpg\",\"width\":1080,\"height\":1350},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=43709#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Top U.S. Counterterrorism Director Resigns Over Iran War Stance\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/\",\"name\":\"VM News\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/#\/schema\/person\/a2e30a4c480fba08110aa92dceebedad\",\"name\":\"vmfavorite\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/25ae7ad0af0818c5b3c7c52f4610bfa26e9985055e4db731befcf55c2fdcfd9b?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/25ae7ad0af0818c5b3c7c52f4610bfa26e9985055e4db731befcf55c2fdcfd9b?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"vmfavorite\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?author=1\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Top U.S. Counterterrorism Director Resigns Over Iran War Stance - VM News","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=43709","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Top U.S. Counterterrorism Director Resigns Over Iran War Stance - VM News","og_description":"Joe Kent, a retired U.S. Army Green Beret and longtime supporter of former President Donald Trump, has resigned as the director of the\u00a0National Counterterrorism Center, announcing his departure amid growing controversy over the United States\u2019 ongoing war in Iran. Kent\u2019s resignation was made public on\u00a0March 17, 2026, when he posted a letter on the social...","og_url":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=43709","og_site_name":"VM News","article_published_time":"2026-03-20T00:20:22+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1080,"height":1350,"url":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/653710882_122174267228770521_915977755154307280_n.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"vmfavorite","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"vmfavorite","Est. reading time":"8 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=43709#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=43709"},"author":{"name":"vmfavorite","@id":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/#\/schema\/person\/a2e30a4c480fba08110aa92dceebedad"},"headline":"Top U.S. Counterterrorism Director Resigns Over Iran War Stance","datePublished":"2026-03-20T00:20:22+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=43709"},"wordCount":1377,"commentCount":0,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=43709#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/653710882_122174267228770521_915977755154307280_n.jpg","keywords":["Chronic Diseases","Fitness","Health Tips","Healthcare Technology","Healthy Lifestyle","Healthy Living","Medical Advice","Medical Awareness","Medical Research","Mental Health","Nutrition","Patient Care","Preventive Care","Public Health","Wellness"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=43709#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=43709","url":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=43709","name":"Top U.S. Counterterrorism Director Resigns Over Iran War Stance - VM News","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=43709#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=43709#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/653710882_122174267228770521_915977755154307280_n.jpg","datePublished":"2026-03-20T00:20:22+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/#\/schema\/person\/a2e30a4c480fba08110aa92dceebedad"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=43709#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=43709"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=43709#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/653710882_122174267228770521_915977755154307280_n.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/653710882_122174267228770521_915977755154307280_n.jpg","width":1080,"height":1350},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?p=43709#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Top U.S. Counterterrorism Director Resigns Over Iran War Stance"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/","name":"VM News","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/#\/schema\/person\/a2e30a4c480fba08110aa92dceebedad","name":"vmfavorite","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/25ae7ad0af0818c5b3c7c52f4610bfa26e9985055e4db731befcf55c2fdcfd9b?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/25ae7ad0af0818c5b3c7c52f4610bfa26e9985055e4db731befcf55c2fdcfd9b?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"vmfavorite"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/news-vm.com"],"url":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/?author=1"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43709","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=43709"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43709\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":43711,"href":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43709\/revisions\/43711"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/43710"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=43709"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=43709"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news-vm.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=43709"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}