While addressing lawmakers, she stated that Pakistan’s ongoing work on long-range ballistic missiles could potentially lead to ICBMs with the ability to strike the United States.
US Intelligence Chief Tulsi Gabbard, while presenting the Intelligence Community’s 2026 Annual Threat Assessment, stated that Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, and Pakistan pose the greatest nuclear threats to the United States.
Testifying before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday, Gabbard said, “The Intelligence Community assesses that Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, and Pakistan are conducting research and development on a series of new, advanced, or traditional missile delivery systems—equipped with nuclear and conventional payloads—that could place our country within range.”
Gabbard noted that China and Russia are developing advanced delivery systems capable of penetrating or bypassing US missile defenses.
She added, “North Korea’s ICBMs can already reach US soil, and the country remains committed to expanding its stockpile of nuclear weapons.”
The intelligence chief pointed out that North Korea is strengthening its ties with Russia and China, adding that this evolving relationship would have serious implications for global security.
Speaking about Pakistan, she told lawmakers that the Islamic Republic’s development of long-range ballistic missiles could potentially include ICBMs with a range sufficient to strike the United States.
Gabbard identified Al-Qaeda and ISIS as major and enduring threats to US interests abroad, noting that both groups maintain a dangerous presence in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.
She asserted that the projected number of missiles capable of striking the United States is expected to rise from 3,000 in 2025 to 16,000 by 2035.
Gabbard Contradicts Trump
Regarding the situation in Iran, Gabbard contradicted U.S. President Donald Trump, stating that after its capabilities were eliminated in a U.S.-Israeli strike in June 2025, Iran made no attempt to rebuild its uranium enrichment program.
In prepared testimony for the Senate, Gabbard stated, “As a result of Operation Midnight Hammer, Iran’s nuclear enrichment program was dismantled. Since then, no attempt has been made to rebuild their enrichment capabilities.”
Ahead of the hearing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that Trump has full confidence in Gabbard.
Gabbard’s testimony follows the resignation of former top aide Joseph Kent from his position as director of the National Counterterrorism Center over the war with Iran.