Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missiles could target US: Tulsi Gabbard

United States’ intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard on Wednesday told lawmakers that Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile development could include missiles capable of targeting the US. In a testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence, also said that the threats to the US were set to expand collectively from more than 3,000 missiles at present to more than 16,000 missiles by 2035. “The US secure nuclear deterrent continues to ensure safety in the Homeland against strategic threats. However, 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,” Gabbard said.
She also said that Iran’s government has been degraded since the war began on February 28, but it appears to be intact and Tehran and its proxies remain capable of attacking U.S. and allies’ interests in the Middle East. “Even so, Iran and its proxies remain capable of and continue to attack U.S. and allied interests in the Middle East. If a hostile regime survives, it will seek to begin a years-long effort to rebuild its missiles and UAV (drone) forces,” Gabbard said.

.@DNIGabbard: "The IC assesses that Operation Epic Fury is advancing fundamental change in the region... [Iran's] conventional military power projection capabilities have largely been destroyed, leaving limited options. Iran's strategic position has been significantly degraded." pic.twitter.com/ZMAVh2n8rC

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 18, 2026

The 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 an air campaign that has killed thousands of people, disrupted the lives of millions and shaken energy and stock markets. The hearing with Gabbard, Ratcliffe, FBI Director Kash Patel and other intelligence officials also touched on the shock announcement on Tuesday that a top aide to Gabbard had resigned, citing the war.