US Counterterrorism Chief Resigns Over Iran War, Accuses Trump of Israeli Pressure
Joe Kant, Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned Tuesday, accusing President Trump of starting the Iran war due to pressure from Israel. Kant stated Iran posed no imminent threat to the US and that the conflict escalated from Israeli lobbying efforts. He cited Trump's 2016 campaign promises against Middle East wars and his 2020 victory over ISIS as evidence of his earlier stance. Kant, a veteran and Gold Star husband, cannot support sending more troops to fight a war benefiting Israel. Crude oil prices surged above $100 per barrel as a result of the Gulf conflict, impacting global markets including Nigeria's economy. Europe rejected Trump's call to deploy troops to the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions.