Washington, March 18 (NationPress) The Director of US National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, raised alarms on Wednesday regarding Pakistan's escalating missile program, indicating that it may soon place the United States within its striking range. This development is part of a broader spectrum of emerging threats to the security of the American homeland.

In her presentation of the intelligence community’s 2026 Annual Threat Assessment, Gabbard highlighted that both China and Russia are advancing their missile delivery technologies with the potential to circumvent US defenses. Furthermore, she pointed out that North Korea currently possesses intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of reaching US territory, and it continues to enhance its nuclear capabilities.

Gabbard emphasized that Pakistan's progress in developing long-range ballistic missiles could lead to the creation of intercontinental systems with the capability to target the US, representing a significant concern for American defense strategists.

“The intelligence community assesses that both China and Russia are working on advanced delivery systems that could penetrate US missile defenses. North Korea's ICBMs can already hit US soil, and they are committed to increasing their nuclear stockpile,” she stated.

“Pakistan's advancements in long-range ballistic missile technology may potentially result in ICBMs capable of reaching the Homeland,” Gabbard informed members of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

Her comprehensive 34-page assessment on global threats echoed similar conclusions.

“Pakistan is continually evolving its missile technology, which empowers its military to develop systems capable of striking targets far beyond South Asia, and if this trend continues, it could lead to the creation of ICBMs that pose a threat to the US,” the report indicated.

The report also noted that South Asia has remained a persistent source of security challenges for the US this past year. The relationship between India and Pakistan carries the risk of nuclear conflict, especially given their historical confrontations that have previously led to escalating tensions.

“Last year’s terrorist attack near Pahalgam in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir illustrated the potential dangers of such attacks igniting conflicts. While President Trump’s intervention helped to deescalate recent nuclear tensions, we assess that neither nation desires a return to open hostilities; however, conditions remain ripe for terrorist factions to provoke crises,” the report elaborated.

Gabbard reassured lawmakers that the US's secure nuclear deterrent continues to safeguard the Homeland from strategic threats. Nonetheless, nations such as Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, and Pakistan are investing in the research and development of various missile delivery systems, both novel and traditional, which could bring their capabilities within range of the US homeland.

“The intelligence community predicts that threats to the Homeland will collectively exceed 16,000 missiles by 2035, up from the current estimate of over 3,000 missiles,” she stated.

Additionally, the report highlighted the tense dynamics between Pakistan and the Taliban, marked by sporadic cross-border conflicts as Islamabad grows increasingly frustrated with the presence of anti-Pakistan terrorist groups in Afghanistan amid rising domestic terrorism.

On February 26, the Afghan Taliban initiated attacks on Pakistani military positions along their border, claiming these were retaliatory strikes for previous Pakistani airstrikes. In an unprecedented move, Pakistan responded by targeting Afghan border provinces and Kabul, marking a significant escalation in their military engagement. The fighting has persisted since its outbreak, the report noted.

“Pakistan’s army chief warned this month that sustainable peace necessitates the Taliban severing ties with militants targeting Pakistan. While the Taliban has publicly called for dialogue, they have denied hosting anti-Pakistani militants,” the report concluded.