Joseph Kent, the former director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), is reportedly under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation over allegations of leaking classified information.
The NCTC serves as the US government’s central hub for analysing and integrating terrorism intelligence gathered across federal agencies, making the role one of the most sensitive in national security.
Kent resigned from his post on Tuesday, citing opposition to the United States’ involvement in the escalating conflict with Iran. In a strongly worded statement, he argued the war lacked justification.
“Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation,” Kent said, adding that pressure from Israel and its American allies influenced the decision to engage in the conflict.
According to a report by Semafor, sources within the FBI confirmed that Kent is being investigated for allegedly sharing classified material improperly. One source said the probe had been ongoing for months before his resignation.
Meanwhile, The New York Times reported that the investigation followed efforts within the administration of Donald Trump to portray Kent as unreliable and disloyal.
Tensions in the region intensified on February 28 when Israel launched what it described as pre-emptive missile strikes on Iran. Hours later, Trump confirmed that the operation had been carried out in coordination with the United States.
Since then, Iran and US-Israeli forces have continued to exchange strikes, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.
