Washington, March 19, 2026: The U.S. Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, has released the 2026 Annual Threat Assessment, naming Pakistan alongside Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran as nations whose weapons programs could threaten U.S. security.
The report cites Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal, intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), suicide drones, and proxy warfare as potential long-term risks. Analysts warn that Pakistan is developing missile technology capable of striking targets beyond South Asia, raising concerns about future threats to U.S. territory.
Globally, the U.S. faces around 3,000 intercontinental missiles, projected to grow to 16,000 by 2035. Pakistan, along with China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia, continues to advance missile delivery systems with nuclear and conventional payloads.
Regional tensions, particularly between Pakistan and India, are highlighted as a persistent security challenge, with the risk of nuclear escalation noted. The report also points to Pakistan’s involvement in regional conflicts using military assets and proxy forces.
The assessment follows prior U.S. measures, including the 2024 blacklisting of 16 Pakistani companies over alleged missile program involvement. Pakistan has criticized such actions as politically motivated.
While emphasizing long-term risks, the report notes no immediate foreign threat to upcoming U.S. elections, underscoring a cautious and nuanced evaluation of global security.
