Operation Epic Fury degrades Iran's regime, US spy chief says

Operation Epic Fury has significantly degraded Iran's regime according to U.S. intelligence assessments.

“What to know about the Senate worldwide threats hearing: - Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard told senators that the Iranian regime "appears to be intact but largely degraded" by ongoing U”

CBS News

The theocratic government remains intact and capable of attacking U.S. and allied interests in the Middle East.

CBS News

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard testified that 'the regime in Iran appears to be intact but largely degraded by Operation Epic Fury.'

Gabbard noted that Iran's conventional military power projection has been 'largely destroyed,' leaving Tehran with 'limited options' to exert influence abroad.

Despite this degradation, the intelligence community assesses that Iran and its proxies continue to pose a threat to U.S. interests.

Gabbard warned that 'if a hostile regime survives, it will seek to begin a years-long effort to rebuild its missile and UAV forces.'

The U.S.-Israeli military campaign has killed thousands, disrupted the lives of millions, and rattled energy and financial markets.

The Strait of Hormuz remains mostly closed amid ongoing operations.

The intelligence community has provided conflicting assessments regarding Iran's nuclear capabilities and the justification for military action.

Gabbard testified that Iran's nuclear enrichment program was 'obliterated' in U.S. and Israeli strikes in June.

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Washington has seen no effort since to rebuild its enrichment capability, contradicting pre-war assertions.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe insisted that Iran posed an 'imminent threat' to the United States.

Former National Counterterrorism Center director Joe Kent resigned, stating 'Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation.'

Kent claimed 'it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.'

The debate intensified when outdated targeting data led to a U.S. missile hitting an elementary school.

The strike killed over 165 people according to intelligence officials.

The Trump administration faces growing scrutiny over the Iran war, with lawmakers from both parties expressing concerns.

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Democrats have accused the administration of failing to adequately brief Congress on the conflict.

The war has cost U.S. taxpayers billions of dollars according to congressional assessments.

Lawmakers have called for public testimony instead of classified briefings.

Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., criticized the administration's priorities, stating 'the war is not ending, it is escalating.'

Bennet argued that the administration's goals have 'become less clear.'

CIA Director Ratcliffe responded that the defined goals remain clear: to eliminate Iran's nuclear and military power.

The internal debate became public with Joe Kent's resignation, the first senior Trump administration official to resign over the conflict.

Operation Epic Fury has triggered domestic terrorism concerns in the United States.

Several incidents have been linked to the ongoing conflict since the war began.

New York Post

The FBI has responded to multiple acts of terrorism according to official reports.

A gunman wearing Iranian flag design clothes killed two people at a Texas bar.

The gunman's clothes included the words 'Property of Allah.'

Two men inspired by the Islamic State were arrested for bringing explosives to a NYC protest.

A man with a past terrorism conviction opened fire at an Old Dominion University classroom.

A Lebanese-born man in Michigan drove his car into a synagogue.

The intelligence community's assessment has been characterized by significant political divisions.

Questions have been raised about the objectivity of intelligence analysis.

Reuters

Gabbard faced intense questioning from lawmakers about Iran's imminent nuclear threat.

Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., repeatedly pressed her on the White House's statements.

Ossoff emphasized that intelligence should be 'timely, objective, and independent of political considerations.'

This directly challenged Gabbard's claim that only the president can determine imminent threat.

The hearing revealed tensions over the Strait of Hormuz closure.

Both Gabbard and Ratcliffe confirmed intelligence suggested closure was possible.

They declined to discuss potential Russian interference during public testimony.

The Washington Post later reported Russia was providing Iran with intelligence targeting U.S. forces.