Tulsi Gabbard Revises Stance: Iran Nearing Nuclear Capability Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
Tulsi Gabbard has stated that Iran is now capable of producing a nuclear weapon within weeks, reflecting a significant change from her previous congressional testimony in March, where she claimed that Iran was not actively pursuing nuclear armament. This shift in her stance comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, as former President Donald Trump disputes her earlier remarks and urges immediate intervention.
Gabbard, a former U.S. Congresswoman and a key figure in Trump's "America First" movement, shared on social media that U.S. intelligence indicates Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in a matter of weeks to months. She expressed agreement with President Trump, who has made it clear that such a development must not occur.
Trump recently criticized Gabbard for being "wrong," asserting that intelligence reports show Iran has amassed substantial materials and could soon create a nuclear bomb. He has issued a two-week ultimatum for Iran to reach an agreement with Washington, warning that failure in diplomacy might lead the U.S. to join Israel's ongoing military actions against Iran.
In her March appearance before Congress, Gabbard noted U.S. intelligence reports which indicated that, despite a growing stockpile of enriched uranium, Iran had not resumed its dormant nuclear weapons program since 2003. She highlighted that while the stockpile was significant for a non-nuclear state, it did not prove active weaponization efforts.
This month, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also expressed concerns regarding Iran's enriched uranium reserves, pointing out that such material could be used for civilian reactor fuel but could also be further processed for nuclear weapons.
Iran continues to assert that its nuclear ambitions are purely peaceful. Recently, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized Iran's readiness for a negotiated solution, but insisted that talks with the U.S. could not commence while there is ongoing conflict.
The diplomatic situation has worsened since June 13, following Israel's launch of "Operation Rising Lion," targeting significant Iranian military and nuclear sites. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the strikes as targeting the core of Iran's nuclear capability, resulting in the deaths of several high-ranking commanders and scientists. In retaliation, Iran's drone and missile strikes have killed 25 individuals in Israel, with Iranian casualties exceeding 430, according to government reports, and independent sources suggesting even higher numbers.
The American conservative bloc remains divided on military engagement, with some advocating for restraint while others call for support of Israel's military efforts. With global pressure mounting, Gabbard's updated assessment could potentially shape U.S. policy in the coming days.
