Ossoff grills Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard over Iran's imminent threat before Tehran strikes

Sen. Jon Ossoff confronted Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on March 18, 2026.

“byRyan Mancini03/18/26 01:46 PM ET Sen”

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He challenged her on the intelligence community's assessment regarding Iran's nuclear threat prior to U.S.-Israel strikes.

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Ossoff specifically questioned whether Iran posed an 'imminent nuclear threat' before the military operations.

He pointed to contradictions in the administration's claims versus the actual intelligence assessments.

The Georgia Democrat highlighted that Gabbard's prepared remarks stated Iran's nuclear program was 'obliterated' following 'Operation Midnight Hammer' in June 2025.

She noted there were no subsequent efforts to rebuild enrichment capacity.

Yet the White House had described the recent strikes as targeting an 'imminent nuclear threat.'

The hearing revealed significant tensions between the intelligence community's assessments and the administration's public statements.

Gabbard confirmed that the intelligence community had assessed Iran maintained the 'intention to rebuild and to continue to grow their nuclear enrichment capability.'

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She refused to directly answer whether this constituted an 'imminent threat.'

When pressed multiple times by Ossoff, Gabbard repeatedly asserted that determining what constitutes an 'imminent threat' is 'the only person who can determine what is and is not an imminent threat is the President.'

Ossoff responded with a stark 'False,' accusing the intelligence chief of 'evading the question.'

He argued she failed in her responsibility to assess threats to the United States.

Vice Chair Sen. Mark Warner also joined the fray, questioning Gabbard's decision to omit contradictory information.

“byRyan Mancini03/18/26 01:46 PM ET Sen”

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He pointed out that Gabbard had skipped portions of her remarks that contradicted the president's narrative.

Specifically, he noted she 'skipped' these parts because she 'recognized that the time was running long.'

Warner retorted, 'You chose to omit the parts that contradict the president.'

This exchange highlighted concerns about political interference in intelligence assessments.

It also raised questions about selective presentation of information to justify military actions.

The controversy comes amid significant personnel changes within national security.

Joe Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned in opposition to the Trump administration's military offensive.

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His resignation occurred just one day prior to Gabbard's testimony.

This suggests growing internal dissent within the intelligence community regarding Iran policy.

It also raises questions about justification for military strikes.

The hearing occurred amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran.

The administration's claims about 'imminent threats' face increasing scrutiny from Congress and the intelligence community.