The head ​of the United States National Counterterrorism Centre resigned on Tuesday, becoming ‌the first and most senior member of President Donald Trump’s administration to resign over the war in Iran, saying Tehran ​posed no imminent threat to the US.

“I ​cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war ⁠in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to ​our nation, and it is clear that we started this ​war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful lobby,” Joseph Kent wrote in a letter to Trump posted on X.

Some ​experts have said an imminent threat would be required ​for the US to launch a war under current law.

‌The ⁠White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence also did not immediately respond.

Intelligence officials were ​caught off guard ​by the ⁠news.

Kent is close with Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who has kept ​a low profile since the Iran war ​began.

⁠Gabbard has not issued any public statements and has only appeared in public during the dignified transfer of American ⁠soldiers ​killed earlier this month during the ​conflict with Iran.