WASHINGTON: Joe Kent, the former head of the US National Counterterrorism Center, has welcomed the emerging peace agreement between the United States and Iran and called for a reassessment of Washington’s support for Israel to help ensure the deal remains intact.
In a statement posted on social media, Kent said the chances of the agreement holding could be strengthened if the United States ended military and intelligence assistance to Israel. His remarks came as diplomatic efforts to formalise a US-Iran peace accord continue ahead of a planned signing ceremony later this week.
Kent, who resigned earlier this year over disagreements regarding US policy towards Iran, has been a vocal critic of the conflict and previously argued that diplomacy offered a better path to regional stability.
His comments add to the ongoing debate in Washington over the future direction of US policy in the Middle East following the breakthrough between Tehran and Washington.
The preliminary agreement, announced after months of negotiations, is aimed at ending hostilities and creating conditions for further talks on unresolved issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme and sanctions-related matters.
The proposed accord has received support from a number of international stakeholders who view it as an opportunity to reduce regional tensions and improve stability across the Middle East. However, it has also generated differing reactions among political figures and policymakers in the United States and Israel.
Kent’s intervention comes as diplomatic momentum continues to build around the agreement, with supporters arguing that sustained engagement and confidence-building measures will be essential to securing a lasting peace framework. The formal signing of the accord is expected to take place in Geneva later this week.
Tags: United States, Iran, Joe Kent, Middle East
