Gabbard on Iran ICBMs: 'Before 2035'

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on Wednesday indicated that the ODNI's expected year Iran might develop an intercontinental ballistic missile is roughly a decade away.

"Iran has previously demonstrated space launch and other technology it could use to begin to develop a militarily viable ICBM before 2035, should Tehran attempt to pursue the capability," Gabbard said in prepared remarks obtained by Just the News. "However, these assessments will be updated as the full impact of Operation Epic Fury’s devastating strikes on Iran’s missile production facilities, stockpiles, and launch capabilities is determined."

Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) are long-range missiles capable of delivering nuclear warheads, though they do not exclusively do so and can deliver conventional payloads. ICBM development is not tied to uranium enrichment, and it is possible for Iran to develop a nuclear weapon without developing ICBMs, which could send the payload to U.S. soil.

While the Trump administration has repeatedly insisted that Iran was "weeks away" from developing a nuclear weapon before Operation Midnight Hammer in 2025, it has focused primarily on the ballistic missile threat during the ongoing Operation Epic Fury.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.