Former US National Counterterrorism Center director Joe Kent has alleged that the United States launched its military operation against Iran under pressure from Israel and its influential lobby. According to a Fox News report, Kent wrote on social media that before the conflict began, US intelligence agencies had assessed that Tehran was not developing nuclear weapons and had warned that an attack could provoke Iranian retaliation against American bases and disrupt the Strait of Hormuz.

Kent said professional intelligence assessments were ignored in favor of Israel’s political agenda, arguing that strikes on Iranian leadership would strengthen, not weaken, the regime. He resigned in March citing ethical reasons, reiterating that Iran posed no immediate threat to the US. The White House, through spokesperson Davis Ingle, dismissed Kent’s claims as baseless and misleading, asserting that President Donald Trump acted on strong intelligence and prioritized American safety.

Trump also denied that Israel pressured him into war, saying his decision followed regional tensions after October 7, 2023, and concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Kent’s remarks have reignited debate in Washington over the true motivations behind the Iran conflict and the role of intelligence assessments.