Gabbard faces scrutiny over Iran nuclear intelligence claims

The US Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, was questioned over what Democrats perceive as a discrepancy between White House and intelligence community claims on Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities.

She wrote in her pre-written opening statement to the Senate Intelligence Committee; ‘As a result of Operation Midnight Hammer, Iran’s nuclear enrichment program was obliterated. There has been no efforts since then to try to rebuild their enrichment capability.’

But in her oral statement she said, ‘prior to Operation Epic Fury, the IC assesses Iran was trying to recover from the severe damage to its nuclear infrastructure sustained during the 12 Day War and continued to refuse to comply with its nuclear obligations with the IAEA, refusing them access to key facilities.’

When pressed by Democratic senators, she said that she changed her statement to save time.