US Intelligence Chief Says Iran Did Not Resume Nuclear Program After Attacks

Washington: U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has revealed that Iran did not restart its nuclear enrichment program following last year’s U.S. and Israeli military strikes.

Testifying before the Senate Intelligence Committee in Washington, D.C., Gabbard stated that the 2025 U.S. operation, referred to as “Operation Midnight Hammer,” had significantly damaged Iran’s nuclear capabilities. She added that there has been no evidence indicating efforts by Iran to restore its enrichment program since then.

Her remarks contradict the stance of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly cited Iran’s nuclear ambitions as a key justification for military action. Trump and his administration had argued that Iran posed a potential nuclear threat, using it as a basis for coordinated operations with Israel.

Iran, however, has consistently denied allegations of pursuing nuclear weapons. International experts have also suggested that even if Iran intended to develop such capabilities, it would likely take several years to do so.

Meanwhile, U.S. officials claim that Iran’s missile and naval capabilities were also significantly weakened by the strikes. Despite this, analysts believe Iran retains the ability to defend its regional interests, particularly in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

In a related development, Joe Kent, Director of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center, has resigned in protest against the war, stating that Iran did not pose an immediate threat to the United States and that the decision to engage in conflict was misguided.