Joe Kent Urges Trump to Exit 5-Month Iran War as White House Rebukes Him

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 19

Five months into the Iran war, former counterterrorism chief Joe Kent said Trump should pull U.S. combat troops from the Middle East now, arguing the president can still sell an exit as a win or draw.
Kent, who resigned in March over the conflict, said Iran posed no imminent threat and that U.S. bases have become liabilities after Iranian missile and drone strikes forced evacuations.
Israel drove the war through pressure on the Trump administration, Kent said, adding that U.S. troops are serving as "tripwires" that could drag Washington deeper if more Americans are killed.
The White House hit back in a statement, saying Trump has destroyed nearly all of Iran's military capability and is crushing its economy with a naval blockade.
Kent also said he wants to help build a new anti-war political coalition, arguing both parties keep steering voters toward more wars, debt and foreign aid that does not serve U.S. interests.