By: Bright Ntuli
US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard says Iran’s government remains in place but has been significantly weakened following recent attacks targeting its leadership and military structures.
Gabbard was speaking before the United States Senate Intelligence Committee, where she appeared alongside other senior intelligence officials to provide an update on the evolving situation in Iran.
According to Gabbard, while the Iranian regime is still intact, its overall capabilities have been severely degraded by ongoing military operations.
“Iran’s regime appears to be intact but largely degraded,” she told lawmakers, noting that the country’s ability to project conventional military power has been significantly reduced.
She added that much of Iran’s conventional military strength has effectively been destroyed, leaving the country with fewer strategic options in the region.
Despite this, Gabbard cautioned that Iran still poses a threat through its network of regional allies and proxy forces, which remain capable of carrying out attacks.
The briefing forms part of ongoing assessments by US intelligence agencies following weeks of escalating conflict in the Middle East, which has had broader implications for regional stability and global markets.
Gabbard also warned that if Iran’s current government remains in power, it is likely to attempt to rebuild its military capabilities over time, including missile and drone programmes.
Lawmakers at the hearing raised concerns about the long-term consequences of the conflict, including the risk of further escalation and the humanitarian and economic impact on the region.
