Kent Resigns Over Iran War, Citing No Threat

Kent asserted Iran posed no imminent threat, attributing the conflict to pressure from Israel and its American lobby. President Trump dismissed Kent's departure as beneficial, labeling him "very weak on security." Kent, confirmed last July despite past ties to far-right figures and conspiracy theories, is the first senior official to resign over the war, highlighting internal dissent within the administration and among Trump's base regarding the war's justification.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a member of the "Gang of Eight" intelligence briefing group, countered Kent's claims, stating intelligence indicated an imminent Iranian threat and nuclear enrichment. Johnson suggested the White House faced a difficult decision given Israel's determination to act.

Kent's military and intelligence background, including 11 Green Beret deployments and CIA work, was praised by Republicans during his confirmation, despite Democratic opposition over his controversial associations.