Joe Kent, who resigned as director of the National Counterterrorism Center in March in protest over US involvement in the Iran conflict, has called on President Donald Trump to withdraw American combat troops from the Middle East and step back from further confrontation with Tehran. Speaking to Fox News Digital, Kent argued that continued military entanglement in the region does not serve US interests, positioning himself as a prominent voice of dissent within Trump-aligned foreign policy circles at a time when Iran policy remains a contentious issue for the administration.

Kent, a former senior counterterrorism official, framed his opposition as part of a broader effort to build a "political coalition" against interventionist approaches to the Middle East. His remarks come amid ongoing debate over Washington's posture towards Iran, including sanctions pressure, and add to scrutiny of the administration from voices who argue for restraint rather than military engagement.