Trump’s Anti-Terror Chief Quits, Cites ‘Lie’ in Iran War

Top Counterterrorism Official Resigns Over Iran War

A top counterterrorism official has resigned from the Trump administration, citing a lack of an imminent threat from Iran as the reason for a war he believes was started on false pretenses. Joseph Kent, head of the Counterterrorism Center, announced his resignation today in a strongly worded letter. He stated he could no longer be part of an administration that initiated military action without clear justification.

War Began Without Imminent Threat, Expert Says

Barbara Slaven, a foreign policy expert and former director of the Future of Iran initiative at the Atlantic Council, echoed these concerns. She explained that the war was initiated without an immediate threat from Iran. Slaven, who has visited Iran nine times and written extensively on U.S.-Iran relations, noted that the conflict’s repercussions are being felt globally.

“My president has started a war and I’m not sure he knows how to end it,” Slaven stated, highlighting the widespread anxiety over the situation. She believes that Donald Trump, having started the war, will eventually decide when to declare victory.

Iran’s Capabilities Post-War

Even after the conflict ends, Slaven warned that Iran would still possess significant capabilities. The country has the ability to rebuild its drone and missile programs. Furthermore, Iran could continue to disrupt the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. This disruption would lead to soaring insurance costs for oil and fertilizer companies, ultimately impacting food prices worldwide.

“Iran still has significant asymmetric capabilities,” Slaven explained. “It can reconstitute drones and missiles. It can keep the Strait of Hormuz closed really as long as it likes simply by threatening.”

Domestic Pressure May End the Conflict

Several factors could push President Trump to declare an end to the war. Pressure from his political base, rising gasoline prices, and the upcoming midterm elections in November are significant domestic concerns. Slaven suggested that these political pressures might be the most influential in his decision to claim victory.

“Domestic political pressures may be the most important in getting him to decide to declare victory quote unquote,” she said. The resignation of Joseph Kent, whom Slaven described as being aligned with Tulsi Gabbard, a prominent opponent of war with Iran, signals internal dissent. Kent’s departure is seen as a significant event, as Trump is more known for firing people than for important officials resigning over policy disagreements.

European Allies Hesitant to Support Trump

Slaven also addressed President Trump’s calls for help from NATO and European allies to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. She believes these allies are unlikely to assist, given past U.S. actions and policies under Trump. European nations have experienced trade disputes and political friction with the U.S. during his presidency.

“Why would anyone lift a finger to help him at this point?” Slaven questioned. “What more is he going to do that he hasn’t already done?” She added that Europe lacks the capacity to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which would be a major undertaking even for the U.S. military.

Hope for Change in Iran Dim

Regarding the situation within Iran, Slaven expressed skepticism about the idea that the U.S. initiated the war on behalf of the Iranian people. She argued that Trump was exploiting the country’s internal struggles to potentially strike a better deal. She also noted that the current political climate in Iran does not lend itself to widespread protest or reform.

“I never took Trump’s claims that he was doing this on behalf of the Iranian people seriously,” Slaven stated. “I think it was he he was exploiting Iranian misery at 47 years of this this awful regime.” She pointed out the lack of a unified opposition leader for Iranians to rally behind. The people are caught between external conflict and their own government’s repression, leaving little room for change.

Slaven further commented on the internal power structure in Iran, noting that more hardline figures are rising within powerful institutions like the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. She suggested that the situation could worsen before any potential for reform emerges, citing the lack of a recognized alternative to the current regime.

Source: Trump's Anti-Terror Chief Quits- Warning The War Was Started Over A 'Lie' (YouTube)