China, Pakistan developing nuclear-capable missiles that could reach US: Tulsi Gabbard

US Intel Warns of Growing Missile Arsenal

March 19, 2026

Global missile race intensifies as China, Russia and Pakistan expand capabilities: US intelligence warning

North Korea already capable of striking US, Pakistan may follow: Tulsi Gabbard tells Senate

The United States faces growing nuclear and missile threats from several countries, including China and Pakistan, according to the latest threat assessment presented by US intelligence officials.

Presenting the intelligence community’s 2026 Annual Threat Assessment, Tulsi Gabbard, the US Director of National Intelligence, told lawmakers that a group of countries are actively developing advanced missile systems capable of targeting the United States.

Testifying before the United States Senate Select Committee on Intelligence on Wednesday, Gabbard said the intelligence community views Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, and Pakistan as the most significant nuclear threats to the United States.

“The intelligence community assesses that 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 told the committee.

Advanced missile systems under development

According to the assessment, both China and Russia are working on next-generation missile delivery systems designed to bypass or penetrate American missile defence networks.

Gabbard also noted that North Korea already possesses intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching US territory and continues to expand its nuclear arsenal.

She further warned that the strategic alignment between North Korea, China and Russia is deepening, a development that could reshape the global security landscape.

Pakistan’s long-range missile ambitions

The intelligence chief also raised concerns over Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme, suggesting that the country’s ongoing development could eventually include intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of striking the United States.

She told lawmakers that Pakistan’s long-range missile research indicates an expanding capability that could significantly increase its strategic reach.

Terror groups remain a global threat

Gabbard also warned that global terrorist organisations remain a persistent threat to US interests overseas.

She identified Al-Qaeda and Islamic State as enduring security concerns, noting that both groups continue to maintain active networks across parts of Africa, the Middle East and South Asia.

According to the intelligence estimate, the number of missiles worldwide capable of striking the United States could rise dramatically from around 3,000 in 2025 to nearly 16,000 by 2035.

Gabbard contradicts Trump on Iran

During her testimony, Gabbard also appeared to contradict Donald Trump regarding the state of Iran’s nuclear programme.

She told the committee that Iran has made no effort to rebuild its uranium enrichment capabilities following the destruction of key facilities in the 2025 US-Israeli military operation known as Operation Midnight Hammer.

“As a result of Operation Midnight Hammer, Iran’s nuclear enrichment programme was obliterated. There has been no efforts since then to try to rebuild their enrichment capability,” Gabbard said in her prepared remarks.

Ahead of the hearing, Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, said the US president had full confidence in Gabbard.

Her testimony also comes amid leadership changes in the US counterterrorism establishment after Joseph Kent resigned as director of the National Counterterrorism Center following tensions linked to the Iran conflict.

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