Daijiworld Media Network – Washington

Washington, Mar 19: A former senior US intelligence official, Joe Kent, is under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) over allegations of leaking classified information, according to a source familiar with the matter.

The probe reportedly began even before Kent announced his resignation on Tuesday as director of the National Counterterrorism Center. His exit came amid disagreements with the administration’s decision to engage in war with Iran.

Kent, a longtime ally of Donald Trump and a retired Green Beret, had publicly opposed the military action, stating that Iran did not pose an “imminent threat” as claimed by the government.

The White House declined to comment directly, referring queries to the FBI, which has also not issued any official statement. Meanwhile, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, led by Tulsi Gabbard, has not responded to requests for clarification.

In his first public remarks after stepping down, Kent said he anticipated efforts to “discredit” him following his resignation. Speaking in an interview with Tucker Carlson, he maintained that his opposition was based on his assessment of the situation and expressed willingness to discuss the matter directly with Trump.

Kent suggested that differing views exist within the administration and indicated that the president may be open to hearing multiple perspectives as the conflict evolves.

Responding to Kent’s criticism, Gabbard defended the administration’s stance, stating that it is the president’s prerogative to determine what constitutes an imminent threat, with intelligence agencies providing the necessary inputs to inform that decision.

The investigation adds a new dimension to the ongoing debate within US political and intelligence circles over the handling of the Iran conflict.