In brief
During a congressional hearing, U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard assessed that the Iranian regime is still operational but significantly weakened due to prior attacks. This announcement comes amidst rising tensions regarding Iran's military capabilities and a recent resignation from a counterterrorism official who disagreed with the perceived threat level from Iran. Gabbard's refusal to label Iran as an imminent threat poses additional scrutiny on U.S. military strategies in the Middle East.
The top intelligence official in the US said on Wednesday that the Iranian regime was intact but largely degraded.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and other top Trump administration officials testified at a congressional hearing for more than two hours about worldwide threats to the US.
It was the first public briefing on intelligence since the war began in late February and came one day after a top counterterrorism leader resigned saying Iran had not posed an imminent threat to the US.
Gabbard, who coordinates the country's intelligence operations, also noted the US had anticipated trouble in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping channel.
The IC [intelligence community] assesses the regime in Iran appears to be intact, but largely degraded due to attacks on its leadership and military capabilities, she said.
Gabbard declined to answer when asked repeatedly by Senator Jon Ossoff, a Democrat, about whether she considered Iran an imminent threat. The only person who can determine what is and is not an imminent threat is the president, she said.
Since the onset of the war, lawmakers have raised questions regarding why the US engaged militarily with Iran, with President Trump citing nuclear weapons development as a justification.
The tension escalated further when Joe Kent resigned as director of the national counterterrorism center, claiming Iran posed no imminent threat during his tenure.
Two contrasting views emerged, with CIA Director John Ratcliffe arguing Iran is a constant threat, reinforcing the complexity of the situation.
In her assessment, Gabbard indicated that US and Israeli strikes in the region had severely impacted Iran's military capabilities, although the nation is seeking to recover from damages sustained during the conflict.
The intelligence shows Iran is working to rebuild its nuclear infrastructure, which was significantly disrupted during a series of strikes in mid-2025.
These assessments raise critical questions on U.S. strategic initiatives and military engagements while the situation continues to evolve.
