Pakistan, China Developing Nuclear-Equipped Ballistic Missiles That Could Reach US: Tulsi Gabbard

Last Updated:March 18, 2026, 23:25 IST

US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard said Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, and Pakistan have been developing an array of missile systems that could reach America.

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on Wednesday said Pakistan, China, Russia, North Korea and Iran have been researching and developing nuclear-equipped missiles that could potentially reach the United States.

Testifying before a Senate Committee, Gabbard said, “The intelligence community assesses that Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, and Pakistan have been researching and developing an array of novel, advanced, or traditional missile delivery systems, with nuclear and conventional payloads, that put our homeland within range."

“The IC assesses that threats to the homeland will expand collectively to more than 16,000 missiles by 2035 from the current assessed figure of 3,000 missiles," she said, adding that Russia and China are developing advanced missile delivery systems capable of penetrating US defence systems.

“Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile development potentially could include ICBMs with a range capable of striking the homeland. The IC assesses that 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 that capability," Gabbard further said.

The US intelligence chief also said China and Russia are the most active threats, while North Korea’s cyber program is sophisticated and agile. “In 2025 alone, North Korea’s cryptocurrency heist probably stole $2 billion, which the IC assesses is helping to fund the regime and includes further development of its strategic weapons programs."

ALSO READ: Iranian Regime ‘Degraded But Intact,’ Could Rebuild Military If It Survives: Tulsi Gabbard

US Attacks On Iran

Gabbard also said the US attacks on Iran have “obliterated" Iran’s nuclear enrichment program and buried underground facilities. “The IC assesses the regime in Iran appears to be intact, but largely degraded due to attacks on its leadership and military capabilities. Even so, Iran and its proxies continue to attack US and allied interests in the Middle East," she said.

However, she dodged questions on whether there was an imminent threat from Iran to the US or whether Iran was likely to attack other Gulf nations and threaten the Strait of Hormuz. CIA Director John Ratcliffe told the Senate that Iran could have developed missiles with a range of 3,000 km that could strike Europe.

The Senate hearing largely focused on the Iran war, now in its third week, as lawmakers – including some of President Donald Trump’s fellow Republicans as well as Democrats – have said they want more information about the war that has killed thousands of people and disrupted global shipping and international travel.

(with inputs from agencies)

News world Pakistan, China Developing Nuclear-Equipped Ballistic Missiles That Could Reach US: Tulsi Gabbard

Read More