Intelligence Officials Quizzed on Iran War and Homegrown Threats
Top U.S. intelligence leaders testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee about global dangers, with heavy focus on the ongoing war with Iran and recent terrorist attacks inside America.
Gabbard Avoids Details on Iran Advice to Trump
Senators, especially Democrats, repeatedly asked Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence, if she had told President Donald Trump that Iran might block the Strait of Hormuz—a vital oil shipping route—if the U.S. attacked. Gabbard refused to answer directly, stating she wouldn’t share private conversations but assured she gives the president unbiased intelligence.
Trump Pushes Allies to Protect Oil Route
President Trump has asked other countries, like NATO members, to help keep the Strait of Hormuz open. He expressed frustration that most allies have refused his request, calling it a key chokepoint for oil from the Middle East.
Controversies Over Strikes and Resignations
Missile Strike on Iranian School
Lawmakers also questioned reports that outdated intelligence led to a U.S. missile hitting an elementary school in Iran, killing over 165 people. The Defense Intelligence Agency’s director, Lt. Gen. James H. Adams, was expected to address this. The White House says the strike is under investigation.
Official Quits Over War Disagreement
This week, Joe Kent resigned as head of the National Counterterrorism Center. He said he couldn’t support the war because he didn’t believe Iran posed an immediate threat to the U.S. Gabbard, who oversaw Kent’s office, responded that it’s the president’s job to decide threat levels. CIA Director John Ratcliffe later said intelligence actually shows Iran is a threat, contradicting Kent.
Gabbard’s Presence at Georgia FBI Search Raises Eyebrows
Senator Mark Warner criticized Gabbard for attending an FBI search in January at an election office in Fulton County, Georgia. He called it an abuse of power to interfere in domestic politics. Gabbard said she was there at Trump’s request but didn’t take part. Warner shot back, “If you want to ask the questions, you should have stayed in Congress.”
FBI Director Patel Faces Heat
FBI Director Kash Patel made his first Capitol Hill appearance since videos showed him partying with the U.S. hockey team after their Olympic win. He’s also fired many FBI agents lately, worrying experts about losing experienced staff during a time of high terrorism risk.
Recent Terrorist Attacks in the U.S.
The hearing came after several violent incidents:
- A gunman with an Iranian flag on his clothes killed two people at a Texas bar.
- Two men inspired by ISIS were arrested for bringing explosives to a protest in New York City.
- A man with a past terrorism conviction shot up a classroom at Old Dominion University in Virginia.
- A Lebanese-born driver plowed into a synagogue in Michigan.
The FBI says it’s working constantly to protect the country from such threats.
Other Top Officials Testified
Along with Gabbard, the hearing featured CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Defense Intelligence Agency Director James Adams III, and U.S. Cyber Command’s William Hartman. They discussed worldwide dangers as the hearings continue in the House.
