US President Donald Trump on Tuesday welcomed the resignation of counterterrorism chief Joe Kent, describing his departure as appropriate and criticising him for being “weak on security.”

Kent, who headed the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), stepped down after publicly opposing the United States’ ongoing military operations against Iran.

Resignation over Iran conflict

In a statement shared online, Kent said he could not support the war, arguing that Iran did not pose an immediate threat to US national security. He also suggested that geopolitical pressures influenced the decision to launch military action.

His exit marks the first major resignation within the administration directly linked to the conflict, which has now entered its third week and heightened tensions across the Middle East.

Trump’s sharp response

Reacting to the development, Trump said officials who disagree with the administration’s stance on Iran have no place in his government.

He defended the military campaign, indicating that strong support for national security decisions is essential within his team.

Role and background

As NCTC director, Kent oversaw one of the US government’s key intelligence bodies, responsible for assessing terrorism threats and coordinating efforts across agencies such as the Pentagon, intelligence services and federal law enforcement.

A former US Army Special Forces soldier and ex-Central Intelligence Agency officer, Kent had previously advocated for a more restrained foreign policy and was critical of long-term overseas military engagements.

His appointment to the role had earlier sparked debate in Washington, though he was confirmed by the Senate with a narrow margin.

Kent is also known to have close ties with Tulsi Gabbard, who currently serves as Director of National Intelligence. She has not made detailed public remarks on the Iran conflict so far.

Debate over war intensifies

Kent’s resignation has added to growing discussions in the US over the legal and strategic justification for the military operation. Some analysts argue that international norms typically require clear evidence of an imminent threat before launching such actions.

Trump rejects ‘external pressure’ claims

Earlier, Trump dismissed suggestions that US actions were driven by Israel’s plans, asserting instead that Washington acted decisively and may have even accelerated events.

He described the strikes as pre-emptive and said they significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities.

The episode has highlighted divisions within the administration as scrutiny of the conflict continues to mount.