Director of National Intelligence Testifies on Global Threats
On March 18, 2026, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard appeared before the Senate Intelligence Committee, discussing the ongoing conflict with Iran and the broader global landscape.
During the hearing, Gabbard presented the 2026 Annual Threat Assessment (ATA), which outlines the current threats faced by the United States and its interests. She emphasized that the findings reflect the intelligence community’s views rather than her personal opinions.
“I want to clarify that today’s information is based on the intelligence community’s assessment of threats to our homeland and interests,” Gabbard stated.
The director identified China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia as key “strategic competitors.” She noted these nations may work together in situations where they feel they can outmaneuver the U.S. or pose a threat to its interests.
Gabbard also pointed out that these nations are actively advancing their missile capabilities.
“America’s nuclear deterrent maintains safety at home, yet countries like Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, and Pakistan are expanding their arsenal. Experts indicate that the total number of missiles could surpass 16,000 by 2035,” she said.
“Iran has long viewed the U.S. as an adversary and remains in active conflict with us,” Gabbard added.
Interestingly, she remarked that while expectations were for support from Russia, China, and North Korea to bolster Iran’s efforts during the current Operation Epic Fury, such assistance has been disappointingly limited.
As Iran struggles under joint U.S.-Israeli operations, Gabbard noted that this conflict offers the U.S. a chance to dismantle Iranian military capabilities effectively—a priority that has been emphasized under the current administration since the operation began on February 28.
The assessment reveals that “Iran and groups aligned with it, including Hamas and Hezbollah, have faced significant setbacks due to U.S. and Israeli actions.”
Moreover, the report warns that Iran remains capable of executing lethal operations against American personnel domestically and internationally. The assessment underscores the necessity for military engagement in the region.
It also highlighted that Iran has been pursuing sophisticated missile technologies, failing to comply with the Chemical Weapons Convention, and continuing efforts to develop biological agents despite previous setbacks from conflict.
The U.S. military has reportedly neutralized Iran’s naval capabilities, and there has been a notable decline in Tehran’s ballistic missile capabilities. Additionally, their air defense systems are now largely ineffective, compromising their defense of military assets.
Despite her general skepticism towards foreign interventions, Gabbard acknowledged the current military operations are necessary to reduce Iran’s capacity to threaten U.S. interests in the Middle East. Yet, she cautioned that, although significant figures like Khamenei have been removed, the regime appears structurally sound. She highlighted rising domestic unrest linked to economic issues and protests throughout Iran.
“Internal tensions are likely to increase as Iran’s economy faces challenges, and if the regime remains hostile, it may attempt to rebuild military forces over the years,” Gabbard stated.
