Former Pentagon Official Joins Gabbard Amid Iran War Tensions

Dan Caldwell, a former official at the Pentagon known for his skepticism toward U.S. military actions in Iran, has reportedly been brought on board by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.

This news about Caldwell’s role comes in the same week that Joe Kent, one of Gabbard’s senior advisors, resigned from his position, citing his disagreements with the ongoing conflict in Iran.

Caldwell, a Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq, was an influential advisor to Army Secretary Pete Hegseth until last April. At that point, he was put on leave due to an investigation related to a leak, although it seems he’s been cleared of any wrongdoing.

He’s been a vocal proponent of a more restrained approach to foreign policy.

During a June interview with Tucker Carlson, amidst the brief conflict between Israel and Iran, Caldwell expressed concerns that a “conventional attack” by the U.S. could have severe consequences, affecting lives, finances, and regional stability.

In the following month, after President Trump ordered airstrikes aimed at Iran’s nuclear sites, Caldwell emphasized that while Iran’s nuclear ambitions are troubling, they don’t represent an existential threat to the U.S.

A former Pentagon colleague wrote in an op-ed that, although Israel might perceive a nuclear Iran as a significant danger, U.S. policy shouldn’t be solely dictated by the interests of allies who possess nuclear capabilities and receive substantial military assistance from America.

Joe Kent, who previously directed the National Counterterrorism Center under Gabbard, publicly resigned, stating, “I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran.” He pointed out that although Iran did not constitute an immediate danger, the war was initiated under pressure from Israel and its influential lobby within the U.S.

The FBI is currently investigating Kent for allegedly sharing classified information improperly. A source confirmed to the Post that the probe is underway.

Like Caldwell, Kent has appeared on Carlson’s program, expressing skepticism toward the military action in Iran. He remarked that there was no immediate threat from the Islamic regime before the U.S. attacked on February 28 and suggested that the decision to strike was largely driven by Israel.

Kent further claimed the U.S. had “no intelligence” indicating that Iran was close to developing a nuclear weapon before the start of Operation Epic Far, insisting that this situation had been developing long before recent weeks.

The White House has yet to comment on these developments.