Gabbard warns iran near nuclear capability

Washington

Former U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has revised her stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, stating that Tehran could now produce a nuclear weapon “within weeks.” This marks a notable shift from her March testimony before Congress, where she said U.S. intelligence had confirmed that Iran possessed enriched uranium but was not actively building nuclear weapons.

Gabbard’s updated position follows criticism from former President Donald Trump, who declared her earlier statements “wrong” and claimed intelligence showed Iran had a “tremendous amount of material” capable of producing a nuclear weapon within months.

In a new social media post, Gabbard said, “Iran is at the point that it can produce a nuclear weapon within weeks to months. President Trump has been clear that can’t happen — and I agree.”

Despite this shift, Gabbard shared footage of her original congressional testimony, where she highlighted Iran’s stockpile as “unprecedented” for a non-nuclear state but said intelligence showed no resumption of Iran’s previously halted weapons program.

Meanwhile, Iran maintains its nuclear program is peaceful. However, tensions have escalated sharply following Israeli airstrikes on Iranian facilities starting June 13. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the strikes targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure to prevent weaponization.

As the conflict intensifies, Iran’s health ministry reported at least 430 civilian deaths, while human rights organizations estimate over 650 casualties. Iran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks, killing 25 people in Israel. Trump has given Iran a two-week window to reach a deal, hinting at potential U.S. military involvement alongside Israel if diplomatic efforts fail.