Former National Counterterrorism Center director Joe Kent has claimed that the US intelligence community believed before the conflict with Iran that Tehran was not actively developing a nuclear weapon and would retaliate by targeting US interests if attacked.
In a post on X, Kent said agencies including the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) had assessed that Iran was not building a nuclear bomb prior to the outbreak of war. He also claimed intelligence officials had warned that Iran would strike US bases in the region and shut down the Strait of Hormuz if attacked by Israel or the United States.
Kent argued that the intelligence community had also warned that targeting Iran’s leadership could strengthen hardline elements within the country rather than weaken the regime.
Claims spark political backlash
Kent further alleged that political pressure and narratives promoted by Israel influenced Washington’s decision to enter the conflict. He said the US should investigate how the decision-making process unfolded to avoid similar situations in the future.
Kent resigned from his role at the National Counterterrorism Center over disagreements related to the conflict. In his resignation letter, he criticised US involvement in the war and maintained that Iran did not pose an immediate threat to the United States.
His remarks drew criticism from supporters of Donald Trump and administration officials.
White House rejects accusations
The White House dismissed Kent’s comments, accusing him of spreading misinformation about both Iran and Israel’s role in the conflict.
A spokesperson said President Trump acted on what officials described as strong intelligence indicating that Iran posed an imminent threat and was preparing potential attacks against Americans.
Trump has also rejected suggestions that Israel pressured him into joining the conflict. In a social media post, he said his stance was shaped by his long-held opposition to Iran obtaining nuclear weapons and by the aftermath of the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023.
