Nuclear threat that is how both President Donald Trump and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard describe Iran’s current stance. Despite earlier disagreements, the Trump administration has emphasized unity on this urgent foreign policy issue.
Vice President JD Vance spoke up Wednesday in defense of Gabbard’s role. He insisted she remains a crucial member of Trump’s national security team. “She’s a patriot and an essential part of our coalition,” Vance Said.
Although Trump previously dismissed Gabbard’s remarks to Congress about Iran’s nuclear program, the administration now claims their views are consistent. Gabbard had told lawmakers in March that Iran was not building a nuclear weapon. She cited U.S. intelligence reports and said Supreme Leader Khamenei had not resumed the program he halted in 2003.
However, new assessments and political shifts have reframed the conversation. On Monday, aboard Air Force One, Trump stated Iran was a nuclear threat. He did not back down when reporters asked about Gabbard’s testimony.
Meanwhile, an official from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence backed both leaders. “Just because Iran isn’t building one now doesn’t mean they’re not a nuclear threat,” the official said.
Trump and Gabbard, once viewed as split on Iran, are now showing alignment. Although Gabbard wasn’t invited to Camp David meetings with other security officials, she joined Trump in the Situation Room on Tuesday. There, she monitored events in the Middle East with the president.
Not everyone in the administration agrees with Gabbard’s non-interventionist approach. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has supported more aggressive action. Still, Vance and Gabbard maintain that military force should only serve direct American interests. Vance told supporters on Truth Social that Trump has earned trust on foreign policy. “He will only use the military to achieve the American people’s goals,” Vance said.
Gabbard also released a video on June 10 warning the world was on the brink of nuclear disaster. Trump allegedly saw the video as a move to block an Israeli attack on Iran. However, White House officials dismissed such claims and defended Gabbard’s loyalty.
Despite the debate, both Trump and Gabbard agree: Iran remains a nuclear threat. The administration is watching the situation closely. Trump stated that the next few days or the coming week will be “very big” in determining the U.S. response.
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