America’s National Intelligence Director (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard has warned that Russia, China, North Korea and Pakistan are the biggest nuclear threats to America.
Gabbard told lawmakers that the US intelligence community expects a huge increase in the number of missiles capable of attacking the US. They estimate that by 2035 this number will exceed 16,000, which is much higher than the current estimate (about 3,000).
Gabbard identified al-Qaeda and ISIS as the greatest threats to US interests abroad, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, and parts of South Asia. He also highlighted growing global nuclear risks, and named Russia, China, North Korea, and Pakistan as the most serious nuclear threats facing the US.
Gabbard further said that North Korea is strengthening its partnerships with Russia and China; According to him, this is a development that can complicate global security equations.
During the briefing, the US intelligence chief also said that the US had “completely dismantled” Iran’s nuclear enrichment program in June last year. He further said that since then, the US has not seen any efforts to rebuild Iran’s enrichment capabilities.
However, he cautioned that Iran and its regional allies remain a major threat, and that they have the ability to target US forces and allied interests throughout the Middle East. He further warned that if the Iranian regime remains in power, it could make a protracted effort to redevelop its missile and drone capabilities in the coming years.