'Very weak on security': Trump after NCTC director Joe Kent resigns over Iran conflict |WATCH

Washington: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday defended his administration’s stance on Iran following the resignation of National Counterterrorism Centre (NCTC) Director Joe Kent, describing Iran as a clear threat and dismissing Kent’s criticism of the ongoing conflict.

Kent stepped down earlier this week, stating he “cannot in good conscience” support military action against Iran and arguing that the country “posed no imminent threat to our nation.” He also suggested that US involvement had been influenced by pressure from Israel and pro-Israel lobbying in Washington.

Trump rejects Kent’s assessment

Responding to Kent’s resignation, Trump said he had reviewed the statement and strongly disagreed with the assessment.

“I read his statement. I always thought he was a nice guy, but I always thought he was weak on security, very weak on security,” Trump said, emphasising that Kent’s position on Iran justified his departure.

Trump added, “I didn't know him well ... But when I read his statement, I realised that it's a good thing that he's out, because he said Iran was not a threat. Iran was a threat; every country realised what a threat Iran was.”

Focus on Iran as a national security concern

Trump reiterated that his administration viewed Iran as a serious threat to the United States and its allies, framing the conflict as necessary to protect national security and counter Iran’s regional influence.

Kent’s resignation marks a rare public dissent from a senior counterterrorism official, highlighting divisions within the US national security apparatus over the justification for the US-Israel military operations in West Asia.

The development comes amid ongoing tensions in the region, with the Trump administration maintaining a hardline stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional activities.