Latest news with #Gabbard
34 minutes ago
- Politics
Prospects for diplomacy dim after Trump rejects Europe's efforts on Iran: ANALYSIS
Under a self-imposed deadline to pursue diplomacy with Iran and with no direct negotiations with the U.S. on the horizon, President Donald Trump acknowledged on Friday that the situation in the Middle East appeared to be deadlocked -- but said he would still give the Iranians a chance to "come to their senses." "I'm giving them a period of time, and I would say two weeks would be the maximum," the president said. Earlier in the day, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrapped up talks with several of his European counterparts in Geneva, but reiterated Iran's demand that Israel stop attacks on the country before it would be willing to seriously pursue any negotiations. Asked whether he would ask the Israelis to hold back, Trump said it was "very hard to make that request right now." "If someone is winning, it's a little bit harder to do than if someone is losing," he said. "But we are ready, willing and able and have been speaking to Iran and we'll see what happens." The president also dismissed the talks held in Europe, playing down the already low expectations for a breakthrough. "They didn't help," Trump said of the discussions. "Iran doesn't want to speak to Europe. They want to speak to us. Europe is not going to be able to help in this one." But despite the president's claim, Iran has so far rebuffed a standing offer from the U.S to resume nuclear negotiations. Some administration officials have argued that the president's posture is setting the stage for Iran to ultimately cave—betting that the regime will bend under regular Israeli bombardment and ultimately back off from key demands on enriching uranium under a new nuclear deal with the U.S. They also see Iran's leadership as scrambled by the assault from Israel and predict it might take several days before it is logistically possible to convene a meaningful round of negotiations with the U.S. Meanwhile, as sharp differences between Israeli and American assessments on Iran's nuclear abilities have come to the forefront, Trump has also showcased distrust for his own intelligence community, including his own director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard. On Friday, Trump was asked about Gabbard's testimony to Congress in March that the U.S. assessed that Iran was not building a nuclear weapon. "She's wrong," Trump said flatly. Shortly after Trump spoke, Gabbard criticized the news media, posting on X, "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." The president's decision to hold back on hitting Iran has frustrated Israeli officials, who have been privately pushing their case for U.S. military involvement for months, according to officials familiar with the matter. At the United Nations Security Council on Friday, Israel's permanent representative to the body Danny Danon insisted his country could go it alone. "This isn't just Israel's fight, it is the world's fight. And if no one else will fight it, we will," he declared. But as Trump ponders military action and its possible consequences, analysts say giving Iran extra time may come with its own risks. "Iran could use the talks simply to buy time in the conflict or, at worst, to shift around its nuclear material and sprint to a bomb, although it would presumably be difficult to fully develop a nuclear weapons capability amid an ongoing war," said Heather Williams, the director of the Project on Nuclear Issues and a senior fellow in the Defense and Security Department at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Already, the security of tens of thousands of Americans in the Middle East is already in peril. According to the State Department, it has now provided "information and support" to over 25,000 people seeking guidance regarding the security situation in Israel, the West Bank and Iran. The department is planning government evacuations for U.S. citizens in Israel but has warned it does not anticipate offering direct assistance to Americans in Iran.
Time of India
39 minutes ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Iran Nuclear Weapon: Intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard is wrong, says President Donald Trump
President Donald Trump has again disagreed with Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard 's statement that Iran is not developing a nuclear weapon. His remarks highlight ongoing differences within the administration regarding Iran's nuclear intentions. Trump Questions Intelligence Findings President Trump arrived in New Jersey on Friday. A reporter asked him about earlier intelligence reports. The question was based on a statement by Tulsi Gabbard. She had testified that Iran was not building a nuclear weapon. Trump replied by questioning the source. When told it was Gabbard, Trump said, 'She's wrong.' He added that if the intelligence community made that claim, it was incorrect. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Only 2% Traders Know this Powerful Intraday Strategy thefutureuniversity Learn More Undo Also Read: Voice of America Layoffs: Trump Administration Cuts 1,400 Jobs. Here's why Gabbard's Testimony in March In March, Gabbard testified before Congress. She said Iran was not building a nuclear weapon. She stated that the supreme leader of Iran had not approved any nuclear weapons program . Live Events She also mentioned that Iran had a large uranium stockpile . She said this level of stockpile was not normal for countries without nuclear weapons. Internal Administration Response This week, Trump also said, 'I don't care what she said. I think they were close to having one.' Gabbard's position in the administration is under focus. Some have questioned her role and influence. Her relationship with Trump has been discussed in media reports. Also Read: New Baba Vanga July 5 Disaster Prediction: Here's what may happen on this day Vice President Defends Gabbard Vice President Vance and other officials have supported Gabbard. Vance posted on social media that the situation has changed since Gabbard's testimony. He described her as a veteran and a strong supporter of Trump. He said she is important to the current administration and its goals. Trump Considers Next Steps Trump is thinking about how to handle the conflict between Iran and Israel. He has said Iran must not be allowed to get a nuclear weapon. He has given two weeks for talks before he might take direct military action. FAQs Why did Trump reject Gabbard's statement? Trump believes the intelligence community is wrong. He thinks Iran is close to developing a nuclear weapon despite Gabbard's testimony. What has Vice President Vance said about Gabbard? Vance supported Gabbard, saying circumstances have changed since March. He called her a loyal supporter and an important member of Trump's team.
Yahoo
43 minutes ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump disavows spy chief Gabbard's take on Iran's nuclear program
By Trevor Hunnicutt WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that his Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, was wrong in suggesting there is no evidence Iran is building a nuclear weapon. Trump contested intelligence assessments relayed earlier this year by his spy chief that Tehran was not working on a nuclear weapon when he spoke with reporters at an airport in Morristown, New Jersey. "She's wrong," Trump said. Gabbard testified to Congress in March that the U.S. intelligence community continued to judge that Tehran was not working on a nuclear warhead. Trump's comments came as the president has said he would weigh involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict over the next two weeks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has justified a week of airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military targets by saying Tehran was on the verge of having a warhead. Gabbard's office has previously pointed to quotes from the spy chief saying that she and Trump were "on the same page" regarding the status of Iran's nuclear program. Iran denies developing nuclear weapons, saying its uranium enrichment program was only for peaceful purposes. A source with access to U.S. intelligence reports told Reuters that the assessment presented by Gabbard had not changed. They said U.S. spy services also judged that it would take up to three years for Iran to build a warhead with which it could hit a target of its choice. Some experts, however, believe it could take Iran a much shorter time to build and deliver an untested crude nuclear device, although there would be no guarantee it would work. Trump has frequently disavowed the findings of U.S. intelligence agencies, which he and his supporters have charged - without providing proof - are part of a "deep state" cabal of U.S. officials opposed to his presidency. The Republican president repeatedly clashed with U.S. spy agencies during his first term, including over an assessment that Moscow worked to sway the 2016 presidential vote in his favor and his acceptance of Russian President Vladimir Putin's denials. Gabbard, a fierce Trump loyalist, has been among the president's backers who have aired such allegations.
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Trump distances himself from Tulsi Gabbard's Iran nuclear remarks: ‘She's wrong'
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that his Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, was wrong in suggesting there is no evidence Iran is building a nuclear weapon. Trump's comments came as the president has said he would weigh involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict over the next two weeks.(Bloomberg) Trump contested intelligence assessments relayed earlier this year by his spy chief that Tehran was not working on a nuclear weapon when he spoke with reporters at an airport in Morristown, New Jersey. "She's wrong," Trump said. Gabbard testified to Congress in March that the U.S. intelligence community continued to judge that Tehran was not working on a nuclear warhead. Trump's comments came as the president has said he would weigh involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict over the next two weeks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has justified a week of airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military targets by saying Tehran was on the verge of having a warhead. Gabbard's office has previously pointed to quotes from the spy chief saying that she and Trump were "on the same page" regarding the status of Iran's nuclear program. Iran denies developing nuclear weapons, saying its uranium enrichment program was only for peaceful purposes. A source with access to U.S. intelligence reports told Reuters that the assessment presented by Gabbard had not changed. They said U.S. spy services also judged that it would take up to three years for Iran to build a warhead with which it could hit a target of its choice. Some experts, however, believe it could take Iran a much shorter time to build and deliver an untested crude nuclear device, although there would be no guarantee it would work. Trump has frequently disavowed the findings of U.S. intelligence agencies, which he and his supporters have charged - without providing proof - are part of a "deep state" cabal of U.S. officials opposed to his presidency. The Republican president repeatedly clashed with U.S. spy agencies during his first term, including over an assessment that Moscow worked to sway the 2016 presidential vote in his favor and his acceptance of Russian President Vladimir Putin's denials. Gabbard, a fierce Trump loyalist, has been among the president's backers who have aired such allegations.
Straits Times
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Trump disavows spy chief Tulsi Gabbard's take on Iran's nuclear programme
US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard (centre) told Congress in March that was not working on a nuclear warhead. PHOTO: EPA-EFE WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump said on June 20 that his Director of National Intelligence, Ms Tulsi Gabbard, was wrong in suggesting there is no evidence Iran is building a nuclear weapon. Mr Trump contested intelligence assessments relayed earlier this year by his spy chief that Tehran was not working on a nuclear weapon when he spoke with reporters at an airport in Morristown, New Jersey. 'She's wrong,' Mr Trump said. Ms Gabbard testified to Congress in March that the US intelligence community continued to judge that Tehran was not working on a nuclear warhead. Mr Trump's comments came as the president has said he would weigh involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict over the next two weeks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has justified a week of airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military targets by saying Tehran was on the verge of having a warhead. Ms Gabbard's office has previously pointed to quotes from the spy chief saying that she and Mr Trump were 'on the same page' regarding the status of Iran's nuclear programme. Iran denies developing nuclear weapons, saying its uranium enrichment programme was only for peaceful purposes. A source with access to US intelligence reports told Reuters that the assessment presented by Ms Gabbard had not changed. They said US spy services also judged that it would take up to three years for Iran to build a warhead with which it could hit a target of its choice. Some experts, however, believe it could take Iran a much shorter time to build and deliver an untested crude nuclear device, although there would be no guarantee it would work. Mr Trump has frequently disavowed the findings of US intelligence agencies, which he and his supporters have charged - without providing proof - are part of a 'deep state' cabal of US officials opposed to his presidency. The Republican president repeatedly clashed with US spy agencies during his first term, including over an assessment that Moscow worked to sway the 2016 presidential vote in his favour and his acceptance of Russian President Vladimir Putin's denials. Ms Gabbard, a fierce Trump loyalist, has been among the president's backers who have aired such allegations. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
