Iran Still Threatens U.S. Despite Weakening, Intelligence Chief Warns

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard warned the Senate Intelligence Committee that Iran remains functional despite being significantly weakened by recent US-Israeli military strikes.

“America's top intelligence official told Congress that Iran's government remains operational despite weeks of military strikes, though significantly weakened”

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Gabbard testified that while Operation Epic Fury has degraded Iran's capabilities, the regime still appears stable and maintains the ability to strike American targets in the Middle East.

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She cautioned that if the regime survives, it could embark on a multi-year process of rebuilding its missile arsenal and drone forces.

The assessment comes during a three-week conflict that has killed thousands, displaced millions of civilians, and caused volatility in global energy and financial markets.

The Senate Intelligence Committee hearing revealed deep divisions in Congress regarding the Trump administration's handling of the Iran conflict.

Democratic members criticized the administration for insufficient congressional briefings about a war costing American taxpayers billions of dollars, pushing for public hearings instead of the classified sessions that have been held.

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Virginia Democrat Mark Warner, the panel's ranking member, specifically questioned Gabbard's focus on domestic election investigations while reducing staff monitoring Iranian activities.

Meanwhile, Republican Committee Chairman Tom Cotton commended President Trump's actions, arguing they have enhanced global security despite the ongoing threats.

Intelligence assessments presented during the hearing highlighted ongoing confusion about Iran's nuclear capabilities.

“America's top intelligence official told Congress that Iran's government remains operational despite weeks of military strikes, though significantly weakened”

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While some officials claimed before the conflict that Iran was close to weapons development, Gabbard clarified that U.S. and Israeli strikes in June completely destroyed Iran's uranium enrichment facilities, with no reconstruction efforts detected since.

However, the assessment also indicated that Trump received warnings before authorizing strikes that Iran might retaliate against U.S. interests.

This suggests that despite the military success, the underlying threat dynamics remain complex and potentially volatile.

The resignation of Joe Kent, who led the National Counterterrorism Center and maintains close ties to Gabbard, added another layer of controversy to the Iran conflict.

Kent became the first senior Trump administration official to step down in protest of the war, stating in his resignation letter shared on social media: 'I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful lobby.'

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The White House dismissed Kent's statements, calling his letter filled with 'false claims,' but his departure highlights the internal dissent within the administration over the justification and conduct of military operations against Iran.