Former US counterterrorism chief Joe Kent has called for a major change in Washington’s Middle East strategy, saying the US should pull its forces out of the region and give up its military bases there. He also argued that Iran should be treated as a major regional power rather than approached solely through confrontation.
Kent’s remarks, as described in the report, were tied to the view that recent months of military pressure and confrontation have underscored Iran’s influence in the region. His argument suggests that continued reliance on troop deployments and forward bases has not changed the basic balance of power.
The comments stand out because they challenge a long-running US approach centered on military presence and pressure in the Middle East. By urging recognition of Iran’s regional role, Kent is advocating a strategy that would place less emphasis on permanent force projection.
His position is likely to add to debate over how the US should define its interests in the region. At the center of that debate is whether Washington should continue trying to shape events through bases and deployments, or adjust to a regional order in which Iran remains a significant power.
