In a surprising turn of events, Tulsi Gabbard has stated that Iran could produce nuclear weapons “within weeks”. This marks a significant shift from her previous Congressional testimony where she claimed that Iran was not in the process of developing nuclear weapons. During her March statement, she asserted that while Iran had stockpiled materials, it was not actively building a nuclear weapon.
The evolving narrative comes amidst fierce discussions on U.S. policy concerning Iran’s nuclear program. Gabbard’s change of position appears to be in direct response to criticisms from Donald Trump, who has vocally opposed her earlier statements, labeling them as incorrect. Trump reiterated this point, emphasizing that U.S. intelligence indicates Iran possesses a “tremendous amount of material” that could enable them to develop a nuclear weapon within months.
In a recent declaration, Trump has set a two-week ultimatum for Iran to negotiate its nuclear activities with Washington, signaling a potential escalation in U.S. policy. The former president has also hinted at the possibility of the U.S. joining Israel in military actions against Iran, creating a divide among his supporters regarding intervention in Iran’s affairs.
Iran, on the other hand, continues to maintain that its nuclear program is strictly peaceful and has expressed readiness for negotiations. However, they have asserted the need for discussions without external pressures, particularly while facing military threats.
Gabbard’s updated perspective aligns her closer to Trump’s view, stating, “President Trump has been clear that can’t happen, and I agree.” Gabbard previously referred to her March testimony in an attempt to clarify her stance, highlighting that experts concluded Iran had not resumed its nuclear weapons program from its 2003 suspension.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which is responsible for monitoring global nuclear compliance, has raised concerns regarding Iran’s escalating stockpile of enriched uranium, a key ingredient for both nuclear reactor fuel and potential weapon development. As tensions continue, both Gabbard’s remarks and Trump’s positions will play a fundamental role in shaping public and governmental conversations surrounding Iran’s nuclear capabilities and U.S. foreign policy.