FBI probing US counterterrorism director who resigned over Iran war – Report

FBI agents

Joseph Kent, former director of director of the US National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), is reportedly under probe by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) over allegations of classified information leaks.

The NCTC serves as the primary US government organisation for integrating and analysing terrorism-related intelligence from across federal agencies.

Kent resigned from his position on Tuesday over America’s involvement in the ongoing Iran conflict, saying he could not support the war against Tehran in good conscience. “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,” he said in a statement. A report by Semafor said sources within FBI revealed that Kent is facing probe over allegations that he improperly shared classified information.

One of the sources said the probe predates Kent’s departure having been in progress for months.

According to the New York Times, the probe came after a coordinated Trump administration effort to discredit Kent as untrustworthy and disloyal. On February 28, Israel launched what they called pre-emptive missile strikes on Iran. Hours after the announcement, President Donald Trump said the strikes were in collaboration with the United States. Thecable