US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard warned the Senate on Wednesday (March 18) that several countries are developing missile capabilities that could directly threaten the United States.
“Russia, China, North Korea, Iran and Pakistan are researching and developing a variety of new, advanced or conventional nuclear and conventional launch vehicles that will put our homeland within range,” Gabbard said.
The intelligence community projects that the collective missile threat to the US could expand from the current 3,000+ missiles to more than 16,000 by 2035.
China and Russia are expanding their capabilities
Gabbard highlighted concerns about advanced launch systems designed to bypass US missile defenses.
“The IC assesses that China and Russia are developing advanced launch systems to be able to penetrate or bypass US missile defenses,” she said.
The nuclear ambitions of North Korea and Pakistan
North Korea’s intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) already have the range to hit the US, she said, and that the regime is actively expanding its nuclear arsenal.
“North Korea’s ICBMs can already reach US soil and it is determined to expand its nuclear arsenal,” Gabbard noted.
She also warned against Pakistan: “Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile development could potentially include an ICBM with a range capable of hitting the Homeland.
Potential ICBM development in Iran
Gabbard singled out Iran’s missile program, noting that Tehran has demonstrated technology that could support ICBM development in the future.
“Iran has previously demonstrated a space launch and other technology that it could use to begin developing a militarily viable ICBM before 2035, should Tehran attempt to use this capability,” she said.
She added that US strikes in Operation Epic Fury could affect Iran’s future missile production: “These assessments will be updated once the full impact of the devastating strikes of Operation Epic Fury on Iran’s missile production facilities, stockpiles and launch capabilities is determined.”
States monitor US missile defense
The intelligence community expects these countries to closely monitor U.S. missile defense plans to guide their own developments.
“These nations will likely seek to understand US plans for advanced missile defense for the homeland, likely to shape their own missile development programs and assess US deterrence intentions,” Gabbard said.
Her remarks came amid an ongoing investigation into America’s war on Iran, which began on February 28 following claims of an imminent nuclear threat.
Top counterterrorism official resigns over war in Iran
Gabbard’s testimony came a day after Joe Kent, director of the US National Counterterrorism Center, resigned in protest of the Iran war. Kent argued that Iran “poses no immediate threat” to the United States and criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to enter the conflict, claiming it violated his “America First” promises.
Gabbard defends Trump’s decision
Despite his resignation, Gabbard defended Trump’s actions. She emphasized that the president has the power to identify threats and respond accordingly:
“As our commander in chief, he is responsible for determining what is and is not an imminent threat and whether to take the actions he deems necessary to protect the safety and security of our troops, the American people and our country,” Gabbard said.
She also described her agency’s role in providing intelligence to the president:
“After carefully reviewing all the information before him, President Trump has concluded that the terrorist Islamist regime in Iran poses an imminent threat and has taken action based on that conclusion.”
Read also | Gabbard says Iran has not renewed nuclear program, challenging Trump’s claims
