Former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard claims Iran could acquire nuclear weapons "within weeks," contradicting her previous testimony that indicated they were not building such weapons. This shift aligns with President Trump's assertions and raises tensions amidst ongoing debates on U.S. intervention in Iran.
Tulsi Gabbard’s Shift on Iran's Nuclear Capabilities Sparks Debate
Tulsi Gabbard’s Shift on Iran's Nuclear Capabilities Sparks Debate
Tulsi Gabbard's recent statements on Iran's potential to produce a nuclear weapon stir controversy following her earlier assertions, fueling discussions on U.S. foreign policy and intelligence.
In a notable shift of position, Tulsi Gabbard has declared that Iran could produce nuclear weapons "within weeks," a stark contrast to her earlier testimony before Congress where she stated that the country was not actively pursuing a nuclear weapons program. This change coincided with President Donald Trump's comments that Iran possesses sufficient materials for a bomb and could achieve this capability “within months.”
The context surrounding Gabbard's original statements has led to accusations of misrepresentation by the media, as noted by the U.S. Director of National Intelligence. While Gabbard previously indicated that although Iran had a stockpile of nuclear materials, expert assessments determined the country was not in the process of building weapons, she now claims that intelligence suggests a significant change in Iran’s capabilities.
Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear agenda is aimed at peaceful purposes. Despite this, tensions have escalated with Trump stating he would determine whether to align U.S. military action with Israel's recent strikes targeting Iranian facilities, which have reportedly resulted in casualties including military commanders and key scientists.
Reacting to Gabbard's assertions, Trump expressed skepticism toward her earlier stance, affirming that U.S. intelligence indicates Iran is "very close to having a weapon." The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has also raised concerns regarding Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium, intensifying the urgency for diplomatic resolutions.
On the ground, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized the country's readiness for negotiations but noted that talks are complicated by ongoing military pressures from the U.S. and its allies. The situation remains fraught with the potential for further escalation, as regional actors like Israel assert that if unchecked, Iran could rapidly advance to nuclear armament.
The conversation continues to evolve, highlighting sharp divisions within U.S. foreign policy circles and contributing to a complex geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.
