Trump Does Not Involve Intelligence Chief At Iran-Israel War Meeting

US President Donald Trump/DOK PHOTO White House

JAKARTA - The Director of US National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, is reportedly not allowed to participate in internal White House discussions regarding the conflict between Iran and Israel.

NBC reports this information citing senior government officials familiar with the matter.

Gabbard, which publicly opposes US involvement in foreign conflicts, has reportedly begun to be disfavored by US President Donald Trump, according to the media.

However, despite differences of opinion with Trump, Gabbard is not expected to step down from the cabinet, the source said.

Trump previously criticized Gabbard's remarks in Congress in March, which said the US Intelligence Community considered Iran not developing nuclear weapons.

As reported by ANTARA, Friday, June 20, NBC sources said that the assessment of US intelligence regarding Iran's nuclear capability has not changed until now.

Israel launched a massive military operation against Iran in the early hours of Friday (13/6), on charges that Iran was carrying out a secret military nuclear program.

The Israeli air force carried out a series of airstrikes in various Iranian regions, including Tehran, which killed a number of senior military officials and nuclear scientists.

Several important nuclear facilities, including Natanz and Fordow, were also targeted by attacks.

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, called the attack a crime and warned Israel would face a bitter and terrible fate. In retaliation, Iran launched True PromiseIII operations on Friday (13/6) night and targeted a number of military targets within Israeli territory.

Iran denies allegations of its nuclear program having military dimensions.

Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, on June 18 stated the agency had not found any clear evidence that Iran was developing nuclear weapons actively.

The CNN report on Tuesday, citing trusted sources, also said US intelligence assessments have so far shown Iran is not actively pursuing nuclear weapons.

Former British Ambassador to Uzbekistan and human rights activist Craig Murray told RIA Novosti Iran had shown a "very responsible and patient" attitude in recent years, despite continued provocations from Israel.