US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard has identified Pakistan among the countries posing the biggest nuclear threats to the United States, alongside major powers like Russia, China, Iran and North Korea.
Speaking at a Senate briefing, Gabbard said the US intelligence community is closely monitoring developments in missile technologies across these nations.
Tulsi Gabbard:
— Clash Report (@clashreport) March 18, 2026
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, with nuclear and conventional payloads, that put our homeland within… pic.twitter.com/X4g85J3DUh
Concerns Over Advanced Missile Systems
According to Gabbard, these countries are actively working on advanced missile delivery systems capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional warheads.
“These systems… put our homeland within range,” she said, highlighting growing concerns over long-range strike capabilities.
She also pointed to increasing strategic cooperation between North Korea, Russia, and China, which could further amplify global security risks.
Testimony on Iran’s Nuclear Programme
In written testimony submitted to the United States Senate Intelligence Committee, Gabbard stated that the US had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear enrichment programme following a military operation.
The operation, referred to as Operation Midnight Hammer, was cited as a key reason why:
- No rebuilding efforts have been observed
- Iran’s enrichment capability remains inactive
However, she did not reiterate this claim during her oral testimony, later stating she had not fully reviewed the written document before the hearing.
Trump’s Earlier Claims Under Scrutiny
US President Donald Trump has previously defended military action against Iran, claiming it was necessary due to an “imminent threat.”
After the June 2025 strikes, Trump asserted that Iran’s nuclear facilities had been completely destroyed.
In more recent remarks, he suggested Iran was weeks away from building a nuclear weapon—a claim that has been questioned by several experts and appears to contradict ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Global Security Concerns Intensify
Gabbard’s remarks underline growing anxieties within the US over:
- Rapid advancements in missile technology
- Expanding nuclear capabilities
- Strategic alliances among rival nations
The inclusion of Pakistan in this list highlights Washington’s broader concerns about nuclear proliferation and regional instability.
Conclusion
As geopolitical tensions remain high, the US intelligence community’s assessment signals a more complex and evolving global threat landscape. With multiple nations advancing missile and nuclear capabilities, the challenge of maintaining strategic stability continues to intensify.