**US Must Recognize Iran as a Major Regional Power, Says Former Counterterror Chief**
Former US counterterrorism chief Joe Kent has urged the United States to reassess its military presence in the Middle East, advocating for a withdrawal of American forces and the closure of military bases in the region. Kent's remarks come amidst ongoing military confrontations that he argues have solidified Iran's position as a significant regional power.
Kent, a former Green Beret and CIA paramilitary officer with 11 combat tours, resigned from his position in March, citing his opposition to the escalating conflict with Iran. In his resignation letter, he emphasized that Iran does not pose an imminent threat to the US and criticized the notion of entering another prolonged conflict, which he claims is being driven by pressures from Israel.
"In any chaotic situation, the side that restores order wins," Kent stated in a recent commentary, asserting that there is no viable military solution to the ongoing war. He cautioned that continued hostilities could lead to increased American casualties and further destabilization in the region.
Kent's call to action includes prioritizing the de-escalation of tensions with Iran and ensuring the free flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passageway for approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. He described the US military bases in the Middle East as "liabilities and relics of the past," suggesting that their continued presence undermines diplomatic efforts and provides Iran with justification for its military actions.
To facilitate a resolution, Kent proposed a strategy of withdrawing US troops, bases, and naval forces from the region. He believes this would not only eliminate military targets for Iran but also create an opportunity for diplomatic negotiations, potentially offering sanctions relief in exchange for assurances of safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
"This move removes Iran’s primary justification for disrupting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and for attacking its neighbors," Kent explained. He characterized the withdrawal as a "strategic adaptation" rather than a retreat, emphasizing the need for the US to recognize the changed dynamics in the region.
Kent's comments come in the wake of recent casualties among US troops, including the deaths of two service members in Jordan due to an Iranian strike, and another during a controlled detonation of ordnance from a downed Iranian drone in Iraq. These incidents have raised the officially confirmed US military death toll in the ongoing conflict to 17, with over 430 service members reported injured.
Since leaving office, Kent has been vocal in his opposition to the conflict with Iran, framing it as part of a broader pattern of US military engagements that he believes have primarily served Israeli interests, following similar conflicts in Iraq and Syria.
As the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, Kent's perspective highlights a growing debate within US foreign policy circles regarding the effectiveness of military intervention and the need for a strategic reassessment of America's role in the region.