The United States intelligence community has assessed that Iran is not currently building a nuclear weapon, according to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.
Speaking before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Gabbard stated that the intelligence community “continues to assess that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has not authorized the nuclear weapons program he suspended in 2003.”
Newsweek has reached out to Gabbard and Iran’s foreign ministry for comment.
Why It Matters
Iran’s nuclear program has long been a focal point of U.S. foreign policy, with concerns over regional security and global nonproliferation. Gabbard’s statement comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, ongoing U.S. sanctions, and recent military confrontations involving Israel. President Donald Trump‘s has also instituted a “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran over its nuclear program, but the United States has not ruled out military action.
What to Know
According to Gabbard, U.S. intelligence agencies believe that while Iran has expanded its uranium stockpile, it has not taken steps toward assembling a nuclear weapon. She also noted, that Iran’s enriched uranium reserves are at an extreme level for a nation without nuclear weapons, raising concerns among international observers.
“Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile is at its highest levels and is unprecedented for a state without nuclear weapons,” Gabbard said on Tuesday.
Threat Assessment
The DNI’s annual threat assessment, released alongside the hearing, states that Iran aims to strengthen regional influence through its missile program, nuclear advancements, and diplomatic efforts with U.S. rivals.
However, rising tensions with Israel and internal struggles are challenging Tehran’s ambitions. The report notes that Iran’s ability to rebuild military losses and deter Israel remains weak in the near term.
Iran’s Nuclear History
Iran’s nuclear program has been under scrutiny since the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a deal signed by world powers to limit Tehran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. The U.S. withdrew from the agreement in 2018 under Trump, reimposing sanctions that led to increased tensions and Iran exceeding its uranium enrichment limits. While former President Joe Biden sought to revive the deal, negotiations stalled, and Trump’s second-term policies have further tightened sanctions.
What People Are Saying
Tulsi Gabbard, U.S. Director of National Intelligence, said: “The I.C. continues to assess that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon and Supreme Leader Khamenei has not authorized the nuclear weapons program he suspended in 2003.”
President Donald Trump stated: “They cannot have one thing—they cannot have a nuclear weapon. And if I believe they are pursuing one… it will be very unfortunate for them.”
What Happens Next
With U.S. economic pressure intensifying and regional conflicts escalating, Iran’s nuclear trajectory remains uncertain. The combination of military threats, sanctions, and diplomatic stagnation suggests prolonged tensions between Tehran and Washington.
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