Gabbard’s Stance on Iran’s Threat Level Discussed in Senate Hearing

The Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, has refrained from confirming whether U.S. intelligence agencies indicated that Iran posed an “imminent threat” to the U.S. ahead of recent military actions, despite President Donald Trump’s claims to the contrary.

During a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on global threats, Georgia Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff pressed Gabbard, asking directly if the intelligence community assessed there was an “imminent nuclear threat” from Iran. Gabbard responded, indicating that it was ultimately up to the president to define what constitutes an imminent threat.

In reference to prior statements, the White House has repeatedly claimed that Iran’s nuclear capabilities and ballistic missile programs are dire threats to U.S. national security. Trump stated on March 1 that the goal is to “eliminate the imminent threat posed by the Iranian regime.”

Ossoff continued pressing Gabbard: “Was there an intelligence assessment indicating an imminent nuclear threat?” Again, she noted that the determination of what is considered an imminent threat lies outside the intelligence community’s purview.

Gabbard elaborated on the ramifications of U.S. actions regarding Iran, stating that Operation Epic Fury has notably altered the landscape in the region, asserting that Iran’s military capabilities have been severely diminished, thereby weakening its strategic position.

This evasiveness came just a day after Joe Kent, who previously headed the National Counterterrorism Center during the Trump administration, stepped down after expressing skepticism over whether Iran represented an imminent danger.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe provided a contrasting perspective at the hearing. When asked by Texas Senator John Cornyn if there were signs that Iran had abandoned its nuclear ambitions, Ratcliffe responded negatively. He indicated that intelligence reports support the notion that Iran has maintained its ambitions.

Trump expressed satisfaction regarding Kent’s resignation, stating that Iran has long been a threat to the U.S. and suggested that it is currently an immediate concern.

Officials suggest that Iran has developed its missile stockpile to a level that prevents effective foreign intervention. While Iran’s missiles aren’t believed to reach the U.S. mainland at present, Trump warned that they are pursuing advancements in this area.

He stated, “They are rebuilding their nuclear program… threatening our closest allies in Europe, our troops overseas… and are working on long-range missiles that could soon hit the continental U.S.” The Defense Intelligence Agency also indicated that Iran could create a long-range missile capable of reaching the U.S. by 2035.

The International Atomic Energy Agency reported that by mid-2025, Iran may have around 441 kilograms of enriched uranium, which could be sufficient for multiple nuclear weapons if further processed to weapons-grade levels.

Although some experts believe reaching a 90% enrichment level might take several weeks, developing a functional weapon encompasses multiple additional steps that could extend the process significantly.

Gabbard, known for her opposition to military interventions, has remained relatively quiet about the ongoing conflict with Iran. Following Kent’s resignation, she reiterated on social media that the determination of an imminent threat resides with the president.

“Donald Trump was elected by a vast majority of Americans, and as Commander-in-Chief, he alone is tasked with identifying what constitutes an imminent threat,” she clarified. Her comments underscored the tension within the hearing, where the administration portrayed the situation as a response to an immediate threat, yet intelligence officials did not offer a definitive confirmation of that perspective.