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Trump disputes intel chief Tulsi Gabbard on Iran | CNN Politics

The article at the URL "https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/17/politics/video/trump-gabbard-iran-nuclear-weapons-collins-digvid" is a video report by CNN's Kaitlan Collins, focusing on former President Donald Trump's comments about Iran's nuclear capabilities and his potential running mate, Tulsi Gabbard. The video, which is part of CNN's ongoing coverage of the 2024 presidential election, delves into the complexities of U.S. foreign policy, particularly concerning Iran, and the political dynamics within the Republican Party.

In the video, Collins begins by discussing Trump's recent statements on Iran's nuclear program. Trump, who has been vocal about his foreign policy achievements during his presidency, claimed that his administration's "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran had successfully curtailed the country's nuclear ambitions. He argued that under his leadership, Iran was on the brink of collapse and that his policies had prevented the country from developing nuclear weapons. Trump's comments come at a time when tensions between the U.S. and Iran remain high, with ongoing negotiations over the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal.

Collins then shifts the focus to Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii who has been mentioned as a potential running mate for Trump in the upcoming election. Gabbard, who left the Democratic Party in 2022 and has since aligned herself with more conservative viewpoints, has been a vocal critic of U.S. military interventions abroad. Her stance on foreign policy, particularly her opposition to regime change wars, has resonated with some Republicans, including Trump. Collins notes that Gabbard's inclusion on the ticket could appeal to voters who are disillusioned with traditional Republican foreign policy and are looking for a more isolationist approach.

The video also features insights from political analysts who discuss the potential impact of Gabbard's selection on the Republican Party and the broader political landscape. One analyst suggests that Gabbard's presence could help Trump appeal to a broader electorate, including independents and disaffected Democrats who are drawn to her anti-war stance. However, another analyst cautions that Gabbard's controversial past, including her meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and her criticism of the Democratic Party, could alienate some Republican voters and complicate Trump's campaign.

Collins then delves deeper into the specifics of Trump's comments on Iran's nuclear program. She highlights that while Trump claims his policies were successful, many experts disagree. Some argue that the "maximum pressure" campaign actually pushed Iran closer to developing nuclear weapons, as the country sought to bolster its defenses in response to U.S. sanctions. Collins interviews a former State Department official who worked on Iran policy during the Trump administration. The official states that while the pressure campaign did have some effect, it also led to increased tensions and a breakdown in diplomatic efforts.

The video also touches on the current state of the JCPOA negotiations. Collins reports that the Biden administration has been attempting to revive the deal, which was abandoned by Trump in 2018. However, progress has been slow, and Iran has continued to enrich uranium at higher levels than allowed under the original agreement. Collins interviews a nuclear non-proliferation expert who explains that Iran's nuclear program is at a critical juncture, with the potential to produce enough fissile material for a nuclear weapon in a relatively short period.

In the latter part of the video, Collins returns to the topic of Gabbard's potential role in Trump's campaign. She discusses Gabbard's recent appearances on conservative media outlets and her efforts to rebrand herself as a defender of American values and a critic of "woke" culture. Collins notes that Gabbard's shift to the right has been met with skepticism by some, who question her sincerity and motives. However, others see her as a genuine convert to conservative principles, particularly on issues like free speech and national security.

The video concludes with Collins summarizing the key points and offering her analysis of the situation. She emphasizes that Trump's comments on Iran and his potential selection of Gabbard as a running mate are significant developments that could shape the 2024 election. Collins suggests that the Republican Party is at a crossroads, with Trump's foreign policy and choice of running mate potentially influencing the party's direction for years to come.

Overall, the video provides a comprehensive look at Trump's recent statements on Iran's nuclear program and the potential implications of Tulsi Gabbard joining his ticket. It offers insights from various experts and analysts, highlighting the complexities of U.S. foreign policy and the political dynamics within the Republican Party. The video serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the current state of U.S.-Iran relations and the potential impact of the 2024 presidential election on American politics.

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[ https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/17/politics/video/trump-gabbard-iran-nuclear-weapons-collins-digvid ]