US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard told senators Wednesday that Pakistan, alongside Russia, China and North Korea, represents one of the most significant nuclear threats to the United States today.
Briefing lawmakers on developments related to Iran, Gabbard said the US had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear enrichment programme in June of last year and has observed no attempts to rebuild those capabilities since.
She warned intelligence assessments show a sharp rise in missiles capable of reaching the United States. Citing Reuters estimates, Gabbard said the total could grow from roughly 3,000 today to more than 16,000 by 2035.
Gabbard said Russia, China, North Korea, Iran and Pakistan are developing a range of new and modified missile delivery systems able to carry both nuclear and conventional warheads, putting the US homeland within range. “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 range,” she said.
She also noted that North Korea is deepening its ties with Russia and China.
