Trump rejects US intelligence briefings, asserts Iran “very close” to nuclear weapons

US President Donald Trump has openly contradicted the assessment of his own Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, stating on June 17 aboard Air Force One, “I don’t care what she said. I think they were very close to having it," he said.

Gabbard had testified in Congress in March that US intelligence concluded Iran was not actively pursuing the development of a nuclear weapon, noting that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei had not sanctioned any weapons program since suspending it in 2003.

Intelligence community assessments also indicate Iran remains years away from producing a deliverable nuclear device.

Trump’s rejection of the intel report aligns him closely with statements made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has warned that Iran poses an "imminent" nuclear threat—a view not shared by US spy agencies.

The move echoes Trump’s history of clashing with intelligence leaders whom he labels part of a “deep state” effort undermining his agenda.

Trump’s remarks come as Israel expands airstrikes on Iran, targeting military, nuclear, and media installations—heightening fears of broader regional war.

Tehran has responded with missile and drone salvos; the US has deployed aircraft carriers and refuelling tankers to the area, signaling readiness but not immediate engagement.

Despite Trump's aggressive language, some US officials have estimated Iran could produce weapons-grade material within weeks, but lack the infrastructure for a deliverable nuclear weapon—suggesting a timeline of years, not months.