Trump-appointed senior intel official resigns over Iran war

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Joe Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Center, testifies during the House Homeland Security Committee hearing, on December 11, 2025.
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Joe Kent abruptly announced he is stepping down from his post, saying, ‘Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation’
• Video 0:38
Video Trump reacts to Kent resignation: ‘It’s a good thing that he’s out’ 0:38
President Donald Trump speaks with reporters about the resignation of a Trump-appointed intelligence official named Joe Kent, who disagreed with Trump’s administration about the war with Iran.
• Live Updates Live Updates
Live Updates Israel says it killed Iran’s top security leader
Ali Larijani was a ‘true insider’ of Iran’s regime and its public face. His killing could prolong the war
As Iran’s top national security official and de facto leader, Ali Larijani had emerged as the key architect of the country’s military and diplomatic strategy since the start of the conflict with the US and Israel. On Tuesday, Israel said it had killed him in a strike – a move that experts warned could prolong the fighting.
• Analysis Analysis
Analysis Trump’s alternate reality on the Iran war
President Trump’s latest comments about the Iran war make him look out of the loop and unprepared.
• Catch up Catch up
Catch up What we know on the 18th day of the war
Frustration is mounting in the White House and among US allies, as countries resist US President Donald Trump’s pressure campaign to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, and as Trump rebuffs Iran’s attempts at diplomacy.

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