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Ex-US Counterterror Chief: Israel Drove Decision to Start War with Iran

Former US National Counterterrorism Centre Director Joe Kent stated that Israel was the primary driver behind the decision to initiate military confrontation with Iran. Kent dismissed claims that Iran was on the verge of obtaining a nuclear weapon, citing a longstanding religious ruling against it and a lack of supporting intelligence. He argued there was no evidence of an imminent Iranian attack, contradicting statements from top US officials. The interview also covered the potential impact of Ayatollah Khamenei's death and featured criticism from former President Donald Trump regarding Kent's resignation.

Key Points: Israel Drove US-Iran War Decision, Says Ex-Counterterror Chief

  • Israel influenced war start
  • Iran had no imminent nuke threat
  • 2004 fatwa banned nukes
  • No intel of fatwa violation
  • Regime would survive leader's death
2 min read

"Israelis drove decision to start war," says former Director of the US National Counterterrorism Centre Joe Kent

Former US Counterterrorism Director Joe Kent tells Tucker Carlson that Israel heavily influenced the decision to start the confrontation, dismissing Iran's nuclear threat.

"The Israelis drove the decision to take this action - Joe Kent"

Washington DC, March 19

The decision to start the US-Israel-Iran confrontation was heavily influenced by Israel, former Director of the US National Counterterrorism Centre Joe Kent told Tucker Carlson in a detailed discussion on the perceived nuclear threat from Iran, on the Tucker Carlson Show.

"The Israelis drove the decision to take this action, which we knew would set off a series of events because the Iranians would retaliate," Kent said, highlighting Israel's central role in the escalation.

Carlson questioned Kent on whether Iran was truly close to obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Kent dismissed the notion, saying, "No, they weren't three weeks ago when this started, and they weren't in June either. I mean, the Iranians have had a religious ruling, a fatwa, against actually developing a nuclear weapon since 2004. That's been in place since 2004. That's available in the public sphere. But then also, we had no intelligence to indicate that that fatwa was being disobeyed or it was on the cusp of being lifted."

Kent further emphasised that the threat of an imminent Iranian attack was not substantiated.

"The President, Secretary of State and Speaker all said the attack was carried out because the Israelis were about to strike. Had they not said that, proving otherwise would have been very difficult. There's simply no case that Iran was planning an immediate attack. It did not exist," he added.

Carlson also sought Kent's insights on the potential impact of the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Kent responded, "I don't think the Ayatollah feared dying. Not because he's some crazy lunatic but because he knew if he was killed the regime would survive."

Earlier, US President Donald Trump reacted to the resignation of Joseph Kent, Director of the National Counterterrorism Centre, stating that his exit was "a good thing" while criticising his stance on Iran.

Answering a reporter's query on Joe Kent's resignation over his objections to the war with Iran, Trump said, "I always thought he was a nice guy, but I always thought he was weak on security. But when I read his statement, I realised that it's a good thing that he's out because he said that Iran was not a threat. Every country realised what a threat Iran was..."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
It's concerning how often intelligence is ignored for political agendas. Kent mentions a public fatwa against nuclear weapons since 2004. If the intelligence didn't show a violation, what was the real reason for the escalation? The region doesn't need more instability.
R
Rohit P
As an Indian, I watch this with worry. Any major conflict in the Middle East directly impacts our energy security and the safety of our diaspora there. We have millions of hardworking Indians in the Gulf. Hope our diplomacy is strong enough to navigate this. 🙏
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Ananya R
The part where he says "the Israelis drove the decision" is telling. It shows how smaller, determined allies can sometimes pull larger powers into their conflicts. India must learn from this and ensure our foreign policy is always driven by our own national interest, not by any other country's.
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Michael C
Respectfully, while Kent's perspective is valuable, dismissing Iran's long-term ambitions might be shortsighted. The region is complex. However, starting a war based on unsubstantiated "imminent threats" is never justified and sets a dangerous precedent for the world.
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Priya S
The whole episode shows the importance of having independent, fact-based institutions. When officials who speak truth to power are called "weak" and forced out, it's a loss for everyone. Hope India's strategic community is paying attention to these internal dynamics in other nations.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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