Nuclear Threats Rise: US Intelligence Chief Points to Russia, China, Pakistan, North Korea and Iran
WASHINGTON (AP) – Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, and Pakistan represent the most significant nuclear threats to the United States, according to the annual assessment delivered by US Intelligence Chief Tulsi Gabbard to the Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday. The report details a concerning expansion of nuclear capabilities and delivery systems globally.
Gabbard warned lawmakers that these nations are actively researching and developing advanced missile technologies – both nuclear and conventional – capable of reaching the US homeland. China and Russia, in particular, are focused on systems designed to penetrate or circumvent existing US missile defenses.
“The intelligence community assesses that Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, and Pakistan have been researching and developing an array of novel, advanced, or traditional missile delivery systems…that put our homeland within range,” Gabbard stated during her testimony.
North Korea’s existing intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) already pose a direct threat to US soil, and the country remains committed to growing its nuclear arsenal. Gabbard also highlighted a deepening strategic alignment between North Korea and both Russia and China, a development she characterized as having “serious implications for global security.”
Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program is also raising concerns, with potential development of ICBMs capable of striking the United States.
The assessment paints a stark picture of escalating global risks. Gabbard indicated the number of missiles capable of reaching the US is projected to surge dramatically, increasing from approximately 3,000 in 2025 to a staggering 16,000 by 2035.
Beyond nuclear proliferation, Gabbard identified Al-Qaeda and ISIS as continuing threats to US interests, maintaining a presence across Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.
The intelligence chief’s testimony also included a notable divergence from the White House’s position on Iran. Gabbard asserted that Iran has made no attempt to rebuild its uranium enrichment program following a US-Israeli operation, dubbed “Operation Midnight Hammer,” in June 2025 which she said obliterated Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities. This contradicts statements from President Donald Trump’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, who recently affirmed the President’s confidence in Gabbard’s assessment.
This assessment comes amid internal turmoil within the intelligence community, following the recent resignation of Joseph Kent, a former top aide, as director of the National Counterterrorism Center, reportedly over disagreements regarding policy towards Iran.
YouTube Short from Yo… shows Gabbard naming Pakistan as a major nuclear threat.
News article from The Times of India further details Gabbard’s warnings.