Former National Counterterrorism Center official Joe Kent has publicly shared what he says were the last words conservative commentator Charlie Kirk spoke to him, linking them to broader concerns about U.S. policy on Iran and Kirk’s September 2025 assassination.
Kent appeared on The Tucker Carlson Show this week, saying Kirk urged him to prevent the United States from entering a war with Iran.
Kent said,
The last time I saw Charlie Kirk on this Earth was in June, in the West Wing, he looked me in the eye, and he said: ‘Joe, stop us from getting into a war with Iran.’ And then he’s suddenly publicly assassinated, and we’re not allowed to ask any questions about that.”
via Tucker Carlson, X
He also said he had been involved in a National Counterterrorism Center investigation into Kirk’s killing, but that the inquiry was halted. Kent said Kirk had been under intense pressure from pro‑Israel donors. As evidence, Kent referenced publicly released text messages, noting key aspects of the investigation remained unresolved.
Kent’s recent resignation
Kent’s comments come after his recent resignation from his senior intelligence post in protest of the U.S.-Israel war in Iran.
In interviews and his resignation statement, Kent cited concerns that the administration was being pushed toward war by external lobbying rather than credible intelligence. He stated he could no longer serve in a role that might support military action he viewed as unjustified.
After the Iranian strikes, European leaders from Britain, France, and Germany joined with Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan. They issued a coordinated statement condemning the U.S.-Israeli attacks in the country.
These military actions have disrupted crucial maritime routes. The leaders called on Iran to cease hostile actions and comply with international law. Simultaneously, they urged all parties involved to pursue diplomatic solutions.
In his televised interview with Carlson, Kent made his stance clear. He does not believe there was credible intelligence showing Iran posed a direct or imminent threat. He argued that no such threat existed that justified the United States’ military action.
Kirk’s assassination
Authorities have identified 22-year-old Tyler Robinson as the suspect in Kirk’s assassination, charging him with aggravated murder. Law enforcement reports have found no verified links between Kirk’s death and foreign governments or donor pressure, and officials have repeatedly rejected claims of involvement by international actors.
During the Carlson interview, Kent reiterated his view that Kirk’s death raises unanswered questions and criticized the halting of official investigations. He did not present evidence directly connecting donors or foreign actors to the killing but framed the matter as a wider concern about political influence on U.S. policy decisions.
Published: Mar 19, 2026 01:30 pm