Tulsi Gabbard has resigned as Director of National Intelligence in a dramatic development that comes amid growing tensions inside the Trump administration over the Iran conflict and the future of negotiations with Tehran.
The resignation comes as President Donald Trump again claimed Iran is “desperate” for a deal while Tehran pushes for greater operational control over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Gabbard Exit Fuels Iran War Speculation
Gabbard officially announced she will leave office effective June 30, citing her husband’s diagnosis with a rare form of bone cancer.
However, multiple reports say her departure follows months of internal friction with Trump over Iran policy and intelligence assessments tied to the war.
The former intelligence chief reportedly clashed with the administration after publicly indicating Iran was not actively rebuilding nuclear weapons capability before recent military escalation — contradicting some of Trump’s rhetoric about imminent threats.
According to Reuters and The Guardian, White House insiders believed Gabbard had become increasingly sidelined in national security decisions related to Iran.
Trump Says Iran Wants a Deal
Despite ongoing military and economic pressure, Trump has repeatedly insisted Tehran now wants negotiations.
Speaking this week, Trump said:
“Iran wants to make a deal.”
He also warned that military action remains possible if diplomacy fails.
The Trump administration continues enforcing naval restrictions and pressure operations linked to the Hormuz crisis, while Tehran insists it maintains operational control around parts of the waterway.
Strait of Hormuz Becomes Global Flashpoint
Iranian-linked media and military statements indicate Tehran wants authority over shipping coordination in parts of the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.
The waterway historically handles:
- Around 20% of global oil shipments
- Major LNG exports
- Critical global trade routes
Recent reports suggest:
- US naval forces increased patrols and blockade operations
- Iranian forces warned foreign military vessels
- Shipping disruptions continue impacting energy markets worldwide
Growing Fear of Renewed Conflict
Security analysts say Gabbard’s resignation adds to signs of deep divisions inside Washington over how far the US should go militarily against Iran.
Former counterterrorism official Joe Kent had also resigned earlier during the Iran crisis, criticizing the administration’s war approach.
Meanwhile:
- NATO allies remain cautious about involvement
- Oil markets remain volatile
- Gulf states continue pushing diplomacy
- Iran warns future conflict could expand beyond the Middle East