Former Terror Chief Faces FBI Probe After Resigning Over Iran Conflict

Joe Kent, who stepped down from his counterterrorism post this week over opposition to the Iran war, is pushing back against federal leak allegations. The former National Counterterrorism Center director claims he's being targeted for speaking out against the administration's military actions.

A former high-ranking counterterrorism official who quit his position this week over his opposition to military action in Iran is now defending himself against federal leak allegations.

Joe Kent, who previously led the National Counterterrorism Center, publicly rejected claims Friday that he improperly disclosed classified materials to unauthorized parties.

According to the Associated Press, federal investigators are examining whether Kent shared sensitive information inappropriately. A source with knowledge of the situation indicated the probe began before Kent submitted his resignation on Tuesday, though further specifics remain unavailable.

Speaking during an appearance on SiriusXM’s “The Megyn Kelly Show,” Kent dismissed the accusations. “As for the leak allegations, I’m not concerned because I know I did nothing wrong,” Kent stated. He indicated his belief that he’s facing scrutiny due to his public criticism.

“I am concerned because we’ve all seen the FBI and the full weight of the government come down on individuals who speak out,” Kent added.

The Department of Justice has launched multiple investigations targeting individuals viewed as political opponents of President Donald Trump, including former FBI Director James Comey, though securing convictions has proven challenging for prosecutors.

Kent announced his departure from the government’s top counterterrorism position Tuesday, stating he “cannot in good conscience” back the Trump administration’s military campaign against Iran.

In a social media post on X, Kent wrote: “Iran 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.”

President Trump subsequently criticized Kent to reporters, saying he had always considered the official “weak on security.” Trump added that if administration members don’t view Iran as dangerous, “we don’t want those people.” Additional Trump officials, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe, have worked to separate themselves from Kent and his conclusions about the conflict.