Trump again snubs spy chief Tulsi Gabbard's take on Iran's nuclear programme, says ‘she is wrong'

US President Donald Trump said that the director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, was 'wrong' when she earlier stated said that the US believed Iran wasn't building a nuclear weapon, whereas he suggested that it would be 'very hard to stop' Israel's strikes on Iran in order to work out a possible ceasefire.
He bluntly said, 'She's wrong.' Trump echoed remarks made by Gabbard when speaking to reporters on Tuesday. 'I don't care what she said. I think they were very close to having it," he had said.
While testifying to Congress in March that the US intelligence community continued to believe that Tehran was not building a nuclear weapon, Tulsi said, 'The (intelligence community) continues to assess that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon.'
She took to X on Friday and clarified, 'America has intelligence that Iran is at the point that it can produce a nuclear weapon within weeks to months, if they decide to finalize the assembly. President Trump has been clear that can't happen, and I agree.' She added her testimony was taken "out of context in a way to manufacture division'.
Tulsi in March called Iran's enriched uranium stockpile as unprecedented for a state without such weapons and mentioned the government was monitoring the situation closely. She also specified that Iran had begun conversing about nuclear weapons in public, 'emboldening nuclear weapons advocates within Iran's decision-making apparatus.'
The assessment presented by Gabbard has not altered, Reuters reported citing a source with access to US intelligence reports. US spy services also assessed that it would take up to three years for Iran to build a warhead with which it could strike a target of its choice.
Some experts, however, argue that Iran could produce and deliver a crude, untested nuclear device in a much shorter timeframe, though its effectiveness would be uncertain.
Trump has often dismissed the conclusions of US intelligence agencies, which he and his supporters have accused, without offering evidence, of being part of a "deep state" conspiracy of officials working against his presidency.
During his first term, he frequently clashed with US intelligence agencies, notably over their judgement that Moscow interfered in the 2016 presidential election to benefit him, as well as his willingness to accept Russian President Vladimir Putin's denials of involvement.
The White House stated that Trump would decide involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict over the next two weeks.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended a week of airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities, claiming that Tehran was close to acquiring a nuclear warhead. Iran, however, denies pursuing nuclear weapons, insisting that its uranium enrichment programme is intended solely for peaceful purposes.
(With inputs from Reuters and AP)

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Time of India

26 minutes ago

• Time of India

Israel's multi-layered defense and strategic counteroffensive highlighted amid intensifying conflict with Iran

The recent hostilities between Israel and Iran on Friday have escalated into a complex military confrontation that underscores Israel's advanced multi-tiered air defense capabilities alongside strategic precision strikes deep inside Iranian territory. Israel has successfully intercepted a significant number of Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and ballistic missiles, while simultaneously conducting targeted airstrikes on Iranian missile launchers and nuclear-related infrastructure. The Israeli Air Force (IAF), supported by naval defense systems such as the Barak MX, intercepted over 15 Iranian UAVs in a single day, maintaining an overall interception rate exceeding 90% against hundreds of drones and missiles launched since the conflict's escalation. The lengthy flight time of Iranian drones—approximately nine hours—has allowed Israel to effectively deploy interceptors and scramble fighter jets to neutralize threats well before they reach populated areas. Despite the high interception rate, missile strikes caused injuries and damage in Haifa and Beersheba, with at least seven lightly wounded in Beersheba and two injured in Haifa, including a teenager in serious condition. In retaliation, Israel launched precision airstrikes involving over 60 aircraft targeting missile launch sites, storage facilities, and nuclear program-related sites across central and western Iran. Among the key targets was the headquarters of the SPND nuclear project , a critical component of Iran's advanced weapons development efforts. Israeli officials reported the elimination of key Iranian military commanders and disruption of planned missile barrages aimed at southern Israel. Live Events Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced plans to intensify strikes against Iranian internal security institutions and regime symbols to destabilize the regime, with Iran continuing to expand its missile arsenal. However, Israel maintains sufficient interceptor missile stockpiles and is adapting its defense systems, including deploying new interceptors specifically designed to counter UAV threats. This conflict has evolved into a high-stakes tit-for-tat exchange, with both nations demonstrating advanced military technologies and a willingness to strike strategic targets beyond their borders. Recent intelligence has revealed covert Israeli drone manufacturing facilities inside Iran, while Iran's use of cluster warheads highlights the evolving and covert nature of this confrontation. Israel's ability to intercept the vast majority of Iranian UAVs and missiles while conducting deep strikes into Iranian territory reflects a blend of technological superiority and tactical planning that might shape this prolonged conflict. With current hostilities numbering at least 24 Israeli and over 600 Iranian deaths since June 13, with hundreds more wounded, authorities emphasize the importance of adhering strictly to safety protocols.

Mint

27 minutes ago

• Mint

Trump Says Spain Has to Pay as NATO Seeks Deal on Spending

NATO allies are pressing Spain to sign on to a stepped-up defense spending target and end a holdout that US President Donald Trump portrayed as unacceptable. Ahead of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit starting Tuesday that Trump is scheduled to attend, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is the only leader who's outright opposed to the proposal to raise outlays to 5% of gross domestic product. 'NATO's going to have to deal with Spain,' Trump told reporters during a trip to his New Jersey golf club on Friday. 'Spain's been a very low payer. I think Spain has to pay what everybody else has to pay.' Ambassadors of NATO member countries held inconclusive talks in Brussels on Friday and are expected to continue into the weekend, according to people familiar with the matter, who asked for anonymity to discuss private consultations. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is negotiating directly with Sanchez, the people said. Others among the alliance's lowest spenders, such as Italy and Belgium, have expressed doubt about the 5% goal and asked for flexibility but eventually came on board. The two-day NATO summit in The Hague begins on Tuesday. While Rutte initially proposed a 2032 target, the latest draft pushes the date back to 2035. His wish to see mandatory yearly increases has also been stripped, which should make the process easier for laggards. NATO's existing target calls for member countries to spend 2% of GDP on defense. Under the new target, 1.5% would go to broader defense-related spending such as cybersecurity as well as infrastructure for moving troops and military equipment. The agreed criteria are broad enough that all allies should be able meet that part of the plan quickly, according to the people. The increase in core defense spending from 2% to 3.5% will be much harder to deliver. What could help bring Spain on board is that NATO will review the equipment and troops it deems necessary in 2029. The price tag attached to its capabilities could be tweaked at that point, potentially providing some breathing room for countries, according to the people. With assistance from Skylar Woodhouse. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.

News18

28 minutes ago

• News18

Who Is Sajid Tarar, Pakistani-American Businessman Who Brokered Trump–Asim Munir White House Lunch?

Last Updated: A vocal supporter of Donald Trump since 2016, Tarar founded The American Muslims for Trump, and is known for advocating conservative values within the Muslim-American community A rare private lunch between US President Donald Trump and Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, in the prestigious White House Cabinet Room dominated global headlines this week. According to Firstpost, this was only the second time in over two decades that a Pakistani military chief was hosted at such a level in Washington—the first being General Pervez Musharraf after the 9/11 attacks. As Trump discussed regional politics, the Isarel-Iran conflict and defence technology with Munir, there was buzz over who had been able to broker the high-level luncheon. Reports now suggest that it was Sajid Tarar, a Pakistani-American businessman, who orchestrated Munir's invitation during the latter's five-day US visit to strengthen bilateral ties. WHO IS SAJID TARAR? The businessman is a lawyer, activist, and Republican political figure based in Baltimore. Born in Mandi Bahauddin, Punjab, Pakistan, Tarar immigrated to the US in the 1980s–90s, studied law at the University of Baltimore, and became a US citizen. He runs multiple business interests and serves as President of Maximus Investment Group, dealing in finance and real estate. He's also the CEO of the Center for Social Change, a Baltimore-based non-profit focused on community programmes and social services. A vocal supporter of Donald Trump since 2016, he founded The American Muslims for Trump, and has spoken at Republican National Conventions and is known for advocating conservative values within the Muslim American community. He served as an advisor to Trump on Muslim‑American engagement and frequently appeared in conservative media defending the administration's policies. According to Times of India and Firstpost, Tarar's influence in Republican circles extends beyond political rhetoric. His son reportedly worked at the US State Department during Trump's first term, further signaling his integration into Washington's conservative establishment. He also advocates for improved India–Pakistan relations and has, in the past, praised PM Narendra Modi and encouraged regional peace initiatives. While the meeting made headlines for its setting, it also stirred controversy in Pakistan. As Moneycontrol and Economic Times point out, there was no official representation from Pakistan's civilian government. This raises concerns about the military conducting parallel diplomacy—a long-standing criticism in Pakistan's power structure. The fact that a private individual like Tarar could facilitate such a high-level engagement without the Foreign Office being involved has unsettled parts of Islamabad's civilian leadership. WHAT HAPPENED IN THE MEETING? According to top diplomatic sources in Washington, Trump laid out a series of sweeping demands and bold offers aimed at reshaping the regional power balance during the lunch meeting. Trump has reportedly asked Pakistan for unconditional military and strategic support, including access to air bases, ground logistics, and potentially sea routes—making Pakistan a critical player in any upcoming military theatre. In return, Trump has promised Pakistan unprecedented access to American defence technology—including 5th-generation stealth jets and advanced missile systems—along with significant financial aid. Trump reportedly urged Munir to 'distance Pakistan from Eastern blocs," including BRICS, and instead re-join the US-led security framework. The Trump–Munir meeting comes amid shifting global alliances, ongoing unrest in West Asia, and a changing power dynamic in South Asia. As reported by Moneycontrol, this private diplomacy could signal a future alignment where military figures bypass diplomats. With his increasing involvement in geopolitical dialogues, Sajid Tarar may be shaping a new model of diaspora-driven diplomacy—one that sidesteps traditional gatekeepers in both Washington and Islamabad. First Published: