The United States has identified Pakistan among five countries posing significant security concerns, with its intelligence chief warning that Islamabad is allegedly developing missile capabilities that could potentially reach American territory.

Speaking before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said the US intelligence community assesses that Pakistan, alongside Russia, China, North Korea and Iran, is advancing a range of missile delivery systems with both conventional and nuclear payload potential.

Gabbard told lawmakers that these countries are pursuing “novel, advanced, or traditional missile systems” that could place the US homeland within range.

The assessment included allegations that Pakistan is working on intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capabilities, although no further technical details were publicly disclosed.

US officials described China and Russia as the most immediate and direct challenges, citing their development of advanced defence systems that could undermine American security. China was also highlighted as a leading competitor in artificial intelligence, intensifying strategic rivalry.

North Korea, according to the briefing, already possesses missile systems capable of reaching the United States.

On Iran, Gabbard said recent military strikes have significantly degraded its missile and nuclear capabilities, but warned that Tehran retains the ability to target US interests through allied groups in the region.

A related intelligence assessment noted that operations carried out in 2025 had set back Iran’s nuclear programme, though concerns remain that it could rebuild its missile and drone capabilities if given the opportunity.

During the hearing, CIA Director John Ratcliffe told lawmakers that Iran could have developed missiles with a range of up to 3,000 kilometres if its military activities had not been curtailed, potentially putting parts of Europe within reach.

However, when pressed by Republican Senator Tom Cotton on whether Iran could develop missiles capable of striking the US within six months, Ratcliffe declined to provide a specific timeline, while acknowledging the concern.

The hearing also revealed that shortly after the onset of recent hostilities, officials from the Trump administration had informed congressional staff in a closed-door briefing that there was no concrete evidence suggesting Iran was preparing an imminent large-scale attack on the United States.

Lawmakers raised questions over President Donald Trump’s policies, expressing concern about the economic impact of ongoing conflicts and the potential cost to American taxpayers.

Gabbard further warned that, beyond state actors, the US continues to face threats from extremist ideologies. She said militant groups remain active and are attempting to expand influence by promoting hardline narratives that challenge Western democratic values.

Citing recent data, she noted that three major attacks inside the United States in 2025 were linked to extremist networks. In one case in Michigan, the suspect was found to have connections to a senior figure in Hezbollah.

The briefing underscored growing concerns within the US intelligence community about a complex and evolving threat landscape involving both state and non-state actors.