Tulsi Gabbard makes U-turn, backtracks on Iran nukes, now claims regime could build bomb in a matter of weeks

Time of India

4 hours ago

Tulsi Gabbard warns Iran could build nuclear weapon 'within weeks' after earlier denying threat-
Tulsi Gabbard has issued a sharp warning that Iran could potentially produce a nuclear weapon 'within weeks.' This comes just months after she testified before Congress claiming Iran was not building such weapons—though she now says her earlier comments were taken out of context.
The sudden shift in Gabbard's public position has added fuel to an already heated debate in Washington, as tensions with Iran rise following Israeli airstrikes and threats of further US involvement. With top US intelligence agencies, Israeli officials, and Iran's own statements clashing, questions are growing about how close Tehran really is to developing a nuclear weapon.
Why did Tulsi Gabbard change her position on Iran's nuclear threat?
In March, Tulsi Gabbard testified before Congress that Iran was not actively building nuclear weapons, citing US intelligence that the country's stockpile of enriched uranium was growing, but not yet weaponized. She pointed out that Iran's stockpile was 'unprecedented for a state without nuclear weapons' but insisted there was no clear evidence of weapon development.
Now, she says the situation has drastically changed.
In a social media post this week, Gabbard stated,
'US intelligence shows Iran is at the point that it can produce a nuclear weapon within weeks to months.'
She added that President Trump 'has been clear that can't happen, and I agree.'
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Gabbard also claimed her March testimony was misrepresented by what she called the 'dishonest media,' and posted the full video of her remarks to offer context.
What is the US intelligence community saying about Iran's nuclear capability?
The Intelligence community has supported Gabbard's clarification, stating that her earlier remarks were
'selectively edited'
and misunderstood. Intelligence agencies have now reportedly concluded that Iran's enriched uranium levels—and related capabilities—have reached a point where a weapon could be built in 'a matter of weeks.'
This assessment aligns with President Trump's own warning. On Thursday, Trump said Iran had
'a tremendous amount of material'
and was potentially just
'months, if not weeks'
away from a nuclear weapon. He also issued a sharp deadline, stating that Iran had a
'maximum of two weeks'
to come to the negotiating table before the US considered joining Israeli strikes.
What triggered the sudden urgency over Iran's nuclear program?
Rising violence in the Middle East has escalated global concerns. On June 13, Israel launched a major airstrike campaign on Iranian military and nuclear facilities. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attacks
'targeted the heart of Iran's nuclear program.'
The strikes reportedly killed senior Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists. Iran's Health Ministry confirmed at least 430 deaths, while the Human Rights Activists News Agency reported an unofficial death toll of 657.
Iran responded with missile and drone attacks that killed 25 people in Israel, including one man who died from a heart attack during the strikes.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had already flagged concerns earlier this month, warning that Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium is at its highest level ever. Though enriched uranium can be used for civilian nuclear energy, it's also the main ingredient for building a nuclear bomb when highly refined.
Is Iran willing to negotiate a new nuclear deal with the US?
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that Tehran remains open to talks.
'We are absolutely ready for a negotiated solution,'
he stated. However, he stressed that diplomacy is impossible while Iran is under military attack.
'We cannot go through negotiations with the US when our people are under bombardment,'
he said.
Iran has always claimed its nuclear program is peaceful. Since the 2015 nuclear deal—also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)—Tehran has said it does not seek to develop nuclear weapons.
However, that agreement fell apart after the US, under Trump's first term in office, withdrew in 2018. Talks had resumed earlier this year, but were disrupted by the Israeli strikes.
Could the US be preparing for military action alongside Israel?
Within Trump's 'America First' movement, internal disagreements are rising over whether the US should escalate militarily. Some of his closest allies argue for direct involvement, while others warn against deeper entanglement in Middle Eastern conflicts.
Despite the division, Trump has remained firm.
'Iran will not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon under any circumstances,'
he told reporters on Friday. He did not rule out a joint strike with Israel if no deal is reached soon.
For now, the world waits. With a rapidly narrowing window for diplomacy, and with deaths mounting on both sides, all eyes are on Tehran and Washington as the next critical weeks unfold.
FAQs:
Q1: Can Iran build a nuclear weapon soon according to Tulsi Gabbard?
Tulsi Gabbard says Iran could produce one within weeks.
Q2: What is Trump's deadline for Iran's nuclear talks?
President Trump gave Iran two weeks to reach a deal.