Tulsi Gabbard, the U.S. Director of National Intelligence, stated on Tuesday that American intelligence agencies believe Iran is not currently working on developing a nuclear weapon. However, she noted that nuclearisation conversations have become more frequent within Iran’s Tehran regime.

"The IC (International Community) continues to assess that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon and Supreme Leader Khamanei has not authorized the nuclear weapons program he suspended in 2003," she told a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing.

But Gabbard added that the past few years have seen "an erosion of a decades-long taboo in Iran on discussing nuclear weapons in public, likely emboldening nuclear weapons advocates within Iran's decision-making apparatus." "Iran's enriched uranium stockpile is at its highest levels and is unprecedented for a state without nuclear weapons," she further said.

The DNI Director noted that the full impact of the renewed sanctions on Iran has yet to take effect. However, he emphasised that the “message” has been “certainly heard” by Tehran.

Back in October 2024, the United States stated that, despite facing strategic setbacks, Iran had not yet decided to develop a nuclear weapon. These setbacks included Israel's targeted killings of Hezbollah leaders and Iran’s largely unsuccessful attempts to strike Israel.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Director of National Intelligence (DNI) released its annual threat assessment alongside a congressional hearing. The report suggested that Iran would likely use its advanced missile capabilities, growing nuclear program, and diplomatic efforts with regional states and U.S. adversaries to strengthen its influence and maintain the survival of its regime. However, the report also noted that Iran’s ambitions and capabilities were being seriously challenged, particularly by its ongoing tensions with Israel and other regional and domestic pressures.

"The IC assesses Iran's prospects for reconstituting force losses and posing a credible deterrent, particularly to Israeli actions, are dim in the near-term," according to the report.

The report suggests that Tehran will keep working to challenge Israel and push the U.S. out of the region by supporting and supplying weapons to its network of allied militant groups, known as the "Axis of Resistance." It also highlights that Iran’s military investments play a crucial role in countering various threats and deterring potential attacks from the U.S. or Israel. Additionally, Iran is expected to continue posing direct threats to American individuals worldwide and remains dedicated to building covert networks within the United States.

The report stated that Tehran aims to strengthen its ties with key U.S. adversaries and the Global South to counter America’s attempts to isolate the regime and reduce the impact of Western sanctions. It further noted, “Tehran’s diplomatic efforts—including at times outreach to Europe—are likely to continue with varying degrees of success.”

The report noted that Iran's ongoing political and economic challenges might lead to renewed domestic unrest and protests unless the country receives sanctions relief. It also revealed that Russia is working on a new satellite designed to carry a nuclear weapon, which could pose severe risks to both the U.S. and the world.