Washington , 21 June (H.S.): U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was incorrect in her assessment that there is no evidence Iran is building a nuclear weapon. Trump challenged intelligence reports that suggested Tehran was not pursuing a nuclear weapon during remarks to reporters in Morristown, New Jersey.

I don’t care what she said,” Trump told reporters.

Gabbard had testified to Congress in March that the U.S. intelligence community believed Iran was not actively developing a nuclear weapon. However, on Friday, she claimed that current intelligence indicates Iran could produce a nuclear weapon within weeks if they choose to finalize assembly, aligning with Trump’s stance that this should not be allowed. Gabbard accused the media of misinterpreting her earlier testimony and trying to create division.

The White House indicated that Trump will consider U.S. involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict within the next two weeks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cited Iran’s nuclear capabilities as justification for airstrikes on Iranian targets. Iran maintains that its uranium enrichment is solely for peaceful purposes. Gabbard previously noted Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and public discussions of nuclear weapons, which she claimed emboldened pro-nuclear factions within Iran.

A source familiar with U.S. intelligence content suggested there has been no change in assessments, indicating it may take Iran up to three years to develop a nuclear warhead. Some experts believe the timeline could be shorter for less tested devices. Trump has regularly disputed U.S. intelligence findings, suggesting they are influenced by a deep state opposing his presidency, a claim supported by Gabbard.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar