Gabbard Warns of Pakistan’s Future ICBM Threat
- By Thetripurapost Web Desk, Washington
- Mar 19, 2026
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Tulsi Gabbard, Director of U.S. National Intelligence, has issued a stark warning that Pakistan may, in the foreseeable future, develop long-range missile capabilities capable of striking the United States.
Speaking at a high-level briefing in Washington, D.C., Gabbard cautioned that the global inventory of advanced missile systems is poised to expand at an alarming pace. According to assessments by the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC), approximately 3,000 missiles currently possess the capability to target the United States—a figure projected to surge beyond 16,000 by 2035.
Gabbard identified Russia and China as the most formidable and persistent strategic threats, citing their rapid advancements in next-generation weapons designed to evade and penetrate U.S. missile defense systems. She further noted that countries such as North Korea, Iran, and Pakistan are actively pursuing sophisticated missile technologies.
Of particular concern, she indicated that Pakistan could eventually develop an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), while Iran may achieve comparable long-range strike capabilities within the next decade.
Highlighting the evolving nature of modern warfare, Gabbard also underscored North Korea’s growing cyber capabilities, revealing that Pyongyang allegedly generated nearly $2 billion in 2025 through cryptocurrency theft—funds believed to have been funneled into its weapons programs.
When pressed on the possibility of a U.S.-Iran conflict and prior intelligence briefings, Gabbard declined to disclose sensitive details, reiterating that internal deliberations remain confidential. She emphasized, however, that the intelligence community continues to provide the President with objective and comprehensive assessments to inform strategic decision-making.
Her refusal to directly answer questions—particularly those posed by Senator Mark Warner regarding whether Iran might retaliate by targeting Gulf states or closing the Strait of Hormuz—drew sharp criticism from Democratic lawmakers.
The potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical concern, as any disruption to this vital maritime corridor could severely impact global energy supplies and destabilize international markets.
Separately, the U.S. Intelligence Community’s Annual Threat Assessment report warned that the risk of nuclear escalation between India and Pakistan persists. While neither nation appears to seek open conflict, the report noted that recurring terrorist incidents could rapidly trigger crises.
Referencing a recent attack near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, the report highlighted how localized acts of violence can escalate into broader geopolitical confrontations. It further observed that past tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors have repeatedly carried the risk of dangerous escalation, though recent diplomatic interventions helped prevent further deterioration.