Story perspectives

Iran Could Retaliate After US Attack, Officials Warn

3/21/2026

Center

Gabbard Warns Congress

Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, and John Ratcliffe, CIA Director, told Congress Iran could retaliate after a United States attack and threaten Strait of Hormuz shipping.
They said Iran's capabilities are degraded, but the regime remains intact.
Ratcliffe said Epic Fury does not aim for regime change and that Iran has long been a U.S. menace.
Gabbard maintained neutrality on whether Iran posed an imminent threat.

Left

Gabbard Challenges Threats

Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, testified that Iran's enrichment capabilities were 'obliterated' and not being rebuilt, contradicting U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims of an imminent threat.
The testimony came as Joe Kent, director of National Counterterrorism Center, resigned, saying Iran posed no immediate danger.
Gabbard's involvement in the FBI's raid on a Georgia election facility drew scrutiny due to links to theories about foreign interference in the 2020 election.

History

Historical Context

The Iran Hostage Crisis began on November 4, 1979, when Iranian militants seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, taking 52 American diplomats hostage for 444 days. This event marked a sharp decline in U.S.-Iran relations, leading to severe economic sanctions that reduced Iran's oil exports by 90%. The crisis established a precedent for hostage diplomacy, influencing ongoing tensions and U.S. foreign policy.

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Gabbard Warns Congress

Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, and John Ratcliffe, CIA Director, told Congress Iran could retaliate after a United States attack and threaten Strait of Hormuz shipping.
They said Iran's capabilities are degraded, but the regime remains intact.
Ratcliffe said Epic Fury does not aim for regime change and that Iran has long been a U.S. menace.
Gabbard maintained neutrality on whether Iran posed an imminent threat.

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