CIA Director John Ratcliffe is said to have privately warned that Iran is dangerously close to acquiring nuclear weapons, an assessment that may have fueled President Donald Trump's consideration of military action against Tehran's key nuclear site, Fordow, NBC News reported.
The director reportedly told officials in closed-door meetings that Iran is now viewed as being very close to possessing nuclear weapons, according to a senior intelligence official, as reported by NBC News.
His warning contrasts with the official stance of the broader U.S. intelligence community, which has not changed its position since March. In public testimony earlier this year, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said Iran had stockpiled a large quantity of enriched uranium but had not made a political decision to build a nuclear weapon.
Despite that position, Ratcliffe has reportedly dismissed the idea that Iran is still deliberating. According to one U.S. official familiar with his briefings, Ratcliffe has said that claiming Iran isn't close to a bomb would be similar to saying football players who have fought their way to the one-yard line don't want to score a touchdown, according to CBS News.
Ratcliffe's warning echoes views held by President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who have framed recent intelligence as proof that immediate action is necessary. Both leaders believe time is running out to prevent Iran from reaching breakout capability.
Trump has been briefed on potential military options targeting Fordow, Iran's heavily fortified underground nuclear facility. Multiple sources told CBS News that Trump approved strike plans Tuesday night but has not made a final decision.
"He believes there's not much choice," one source said. "Finishing the job means destroying Fordow."
The International Atomic Energy Agency and U.S. officials say Iran has enough enriched uranium to produce as many as 10 bombs, though building a functional weapon could take months or longer. Under Ratcliffe's direction, the CIA has stressed that this timeline is narrowing.
Meanwhile, members of Congress are seeking clarification. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said Wednesday, "So far, at least, the intelligence community has stood by its conclusion that Iran is not moving towards a nuclear weapon." Warner added, "I want to make sure that if it is changed, it's based upon fact and not political influence."
Trump, for his part, has signaled he is reserving judgment until diplomatic efforts are exhausted. "Based on the fact that there is a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks," Trump said in a statement read by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on X.
Still, Ratcliffe's pointed internal assessments have contributed to a growing perception inside the Trump administration that military action may be necessary. While Congress remains divided, sources say Trump continues to evaluate whether Iran can be pressured into disabling Fordow voluntarily, or whether a U.S. strike is the only option.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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