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Intelligence assessment: Iran's regime survives despite military losses
Top US intelligence officials told Congress on Wednesday that Iran's government remains in power but has suffered significant damage to its military and nuclear programs following American and Israeli strikes earlier this year.
Key testimony at congressional hearing
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, appearing alongside CIA, FBI, NSA, and Defense Intelligence Agency leaders, stated that the intelligence community (IC) assesses Iran's regime as "intact, but largely degraded" due to attacks on its leadership and military infrastructure.
The hearing marked the first public intelligence briefing since the US-Israel conflict with Iran began in late February.
Dispute over imminent threat
Gabbard declined to label Iran an "imminent threat" when pressed by Senator Jon Ossoff, a Democrat, asserting that only the president can make such a determination. Her stance contrasted with a resignation letter from Joe Kent, former director of the National Counterterrorism Center, who claimed Iran posed "no imminent threat" before stepping down on Tuesday.
"The only person who can determine what is and is not an imminent threat is the president."
Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence
Nuclear program and military capabilities
Gabbard reported that US and Israeli strikes during the 12-Day War in June 2025 "largely destroyed" Iran's military capabilities. She added that Iran was still recovering from damage to its nuclear infrastructure and remained noncompliant with its nuclear obligations.
In prepared remarks, Gabbard had described the strikes as having "obliterated" Iran's nuclear enrichment program, with no signs of rebuilding. However, she omitted this claim during her oral testimony, later explaining to Senator Mark Warner that time constraints forced her to shorten her statement.
"So you chose to omit the parts that contradict the president."
Senator Mark Warner, Democrat
Strait of Hormuz tensions
The intelligence community had long assessed that Iran would likely target the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route, in a conflict. Gabbard confirmed that the Defense Department took "pre-emptive planning measures" based on this assessment.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe testified that Iran has posed a "constant threat" to the US and remains an "immediate threat." He noted that the Pentagon prepared for potential Iranian attacks on energy sites across the region.
Intelligence role in strike decision
Lawmakers questioned the extent of intelligence officials' involvement in President Donald Trump's decision to strike Iran. Senator Angus King, an Independent, asked if officials were "in the room" during the final decision-making.
Ratcliffe estimated attending "dozens and dozens" of meetings with Trump but could not confirm if a single definitive decision point occurred. The president has cited Iran's nuclear weapons development as the primary justification for military action.
