Joe Kent says Israel undermining Trump’s attempt at de-escalation in Iran

The Hill
by Ashleigh Fields
March 23, 2026
3 min read

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The former director of the National Counterterrorism Center accused Israel of undermining Trump's de-escalation efforts with Iran.

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Joe Kent, the former director of the National Counterterrorism Center who resigned last week, accused Israel Monday of undermining President Trump's de-escalation efforts with Iran. Kent's criticism comes after Trump announced a five-day pause on threatened strikes against Iran's energy infrastructure, a move aimed at reducing regional tensions. Kent had departed his position citing concerns about Iran policy, and his accusation suggests internal friction within the Trump administration over how to balance U.S. allies' interests with diplomatic overtures. The statement indicates disagreement over whether military pressure or negotiation should drive U.S. strategy in the standoff with Tehran.

What's Being Done

Internal friction within the Trump administration continues over balancing U.S. allies' interests with diplomatic overtures to Iran.

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