US Counterterror Chief Joe Kent Resigns Over Iran War While Macquarie Exits $7B Kuwait Oil Deal

In a dramatic development, Joe Kent’s resignation news has captured attention after the director of the National Counterterrorism Center announced he was stepping down over the ongoing US-Iran war 2026, citing deep concerns about the conflict’s origins and justification.

Joe Kent Resigns Over Iran War

Joe Kent, a former Green Beret and Trump appointee, confirmed his resignation in a public statement, saying he could not support the war against Iran. His decision marks the first high-level departure tied directly to the conflict, now entering its third week.

Joe Kent resigned as director of the National Counterterrorism Center in protest of the 2026 U.S.-Iran war, arguing it lacked justification and was driven by external political pressure rather than an imminent threat. Source: Joe Kent via X

Kent argued that Iran posed no immediate threat to the United States, raising concerns that the war, launched on February 28, 2026, through joint US-Israeli airstrikes, was influenced by external political pressure rather than national security necessity. In his message, he emphasized that continuing in his role would conflict with his principles.

The resignation has sparked wider debate in Washington, with political figures across the spectrum reacting. Senator Bernie Sanders highlighted Kent’s stance, pointing to rare bipartisan concern over the justification for the war. The episode underscores growing scrutiny around U.S. foreign policy, especially as the conflict continues to escalate across the Gulf region.

Bernie Sanders highlighted Joseph Kent’s resignation, noting Kent’s claim that the February 28, 2026, U.S.-Iran war was unjustified and influenced by Israeli lobbying. Source: Bernie Sanders via X

Kent’s departure also comes amid rising tensions within the intelligence and defense community, as the war expands beyond initial expectations. Reports indicate that more than 900 early strikes displaced millions in Iran, while regional instability continues to intensify.

Iran War Escalation Fuels Regional Instability

The Iran war escalation has extended well beyond initial airstrikes, with Tehran launching missile and drone attacks targeting Gulf infrastructure, including ports and facilities in the United Arab Emirates. These retaliatory strikes have resulted in civilian casualties and infrastructure damage, highlighting the growing risks to regional stability.

Iran carried out new attacks on the United Arab Emirates, targeting U.S. Gulf allies, which President Trump described as unexpected, though sources indicate he had been warned. Source: Reuters via X

The conflict began after joint US-Israeli operations reportedly killed Iran’s former Supreme Leader, triggering a wave of retaliation. Since then, the situation has evolved into a broader regional crisis, affecting key allies and critical supply routes.

One of the most significant developments has been Iran’s move to effectively close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supply typically flows. This disruption has had immediate consequences for global energy markets and Gulf economies.

Macquarie Exits Kuwait Oil Deal Amid Market Uncertainty

Against this backdrop, Macquarie Kuwait oil deal developments have added to concerns in the financial sector. The Australian infrastructure giant has withdrawn from bidding on a stake in Kuwait’s oil pipeline network valued at up to $7 billion.

Macquarie, the Australian infrastructure investor, withdrew from bidding on a $7 billion stake in Kuwait’s oil pipeline network, citing heightened risks from the ongoing Iran war. Source: Reuters

Sources indicate that Macquarie cited the uncertain outlook created by the Iran conflict as a key reason for its exit. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has stranded millions of barrels of Kuwaiti crude, as the country relies entirely on the route for exports.

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation has declared force majeure in response to the disruption, although it continues to seek non-binding offers for the pipeline project, with a deadline set for April 7.

Macquarie’s withdrawal signals a broader cooling of investor appetite for Gulf energy infrastructure amid heightened geopolitical risk. While capital remains available, analysts suggest that deal pricing and risk assessments are rapidly shifting to reflect the new reality.

Oil Prices Surge as Gulf Crisis Deepens

The oil market’s impact on the Iran war narrative is becoming increasingly evident, with crude prices surging close to $100 per barrel, representing a sharp increase since the conflict began. The spike is fueling inflation concerns globally and adding pressure on governments already grappling with economic uncertainty.

WTI was trading at around 95.42, up 2.33% in the last 24 hours at press time. Source: TradingView

At the same time, international responses have been mixed. European nations and key Asian economies have shown reluctance to deepen involvement in the conflict, instead calling for de-escalation and diplomatic solutions.

A Conflict Reshaping Policy and Markets

The simultaneous resignation of a top U.S. counterterrorism official and the withdrawal of a major global investor highlight the far-reaching consequences of the Iran war. From national security debates in Washington to disrupted oil flows in the Gulf, the crisis is reshaping both political and economic landscapes.

As tensions continue to rise, markets and policymakers alike are bracing for further volatility, with the trajectory of the conflict likely to determine the next phase of global energy and geopolitical dynamics.