The United States National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard stated on Wednesday (March 18) that intelligence assessments believe the “Epic Wrath Operation” launched by the United States against Iran is driving fundamental changes in the Middle East.
Including Gabbard, American intelligence officials participated in the Global Threat Hearing held by the Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday.
Regarding the ongoing large-scale strikes against Iran by the United States, Gabbard said, “Intelligence assessments believe that the ‘Epic Wrath Operation’ is driving fundamental changes in the Middle East, starting with Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and continuing in last year’s ’12-day war,’ resulting in weakening the strength of Iran and its proxies.”
The “12-day war” refers to the 12-day strikes launched by Israel against Iran in June last year, during which American bombers attacked Iran’s nuclear facilities, significantly damaging Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Gabbard warned that if the Iranian regime survives the “Epic Wrath Operation” by the US military, the regime is likely to begin a long-term rebuilding of its military, missile, and drone fleets.
“The intelligence community assesses that while the Iranian regime appears intact, it has been severely weakened due to hits on its leadership and military capabilities,” she said. “Its conventional military projection capability has essentially been destroyed, leaving it with very limited remaining options. Iran’s strategic position has been significantly weakened.”
Gabbard added that the US-led “maximum pressure” campaign and European measures to reinstate sanctions have added additional pressure to Iran’s already struggling economy, leading to large-scale protests earlier this year in Iran, which the regime suppressed by killing tens of thousands of protesters.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe stated at the hearing on Wednesday that he believes Iran currently poses an “urgent threat” to the United States.
During the hearing, Republican Senator John Cornyn asked, “Are there any indications that Iran has stopped its nuclear ambitions or abandoned the intention to continue developing ballistic missiles that could threaten US forces and allies in the Middle East?”
Ratcliffe replied, “No. In fact, intelligence indicates quite the opposite.”
“Do you disagree with Mr. Kent’s views, then?” Cornyn followed up, referring to Joe Kent, the top US counterterrorism official who resigned on Tuesday due to his opposition to US military actions against Iran. Kent argued that Iran does not pose an imminent threat.
“I do not disagree,” Ratcliffe replied. “I believe that Iran has been a continuous threat to the United States for quite some time and is currently presenting an urgent threat.”
Intelligence Director Gabbard said intelligence assessments believe that Iran and its proxies continue to launch attacks against American and allied interests in the Middle East.
Gabbard also stated that the American intelligence community assesses that Iran has previously demonstrated space launch and related technologies. If Tehran decides to pursue the capability to develop intercontinental ballistic missiles with military capabilities, space launch technologies could enable them to start developing such missiles by 2035.
“However, with the comprehensive impact of the ‘Epic Wrath Operation’ on Iran’s missile production facilities, inventory, and launch capabilities being determined as devastating, these assessments will clearly be updated,” she said.
“The United States’ nuclear deterrent capability continues to ensure homeland security, countering strategic threats. However, the intelligence community assesses that Russia, China (CCP), North Korea, Iran, and Pakistan have been developing a range of new, advanced, or conventional missile delivery systems that can carry nuclear and conventional warheads, putting our homeland within their reach,” Gabbard said when discussing the threats facing the United States.