RELEASE: Gottheimer Questions Intelligence Leaders at Worldwide Threats Hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI), participated in the Committee’s Hearing on the 2026 Annual Worldwide Threats Assessment, where he pressed top U.S. Intelligence officials on urgent national security challenges, including escalating tensions with Iran, threats to the global economy, domestic terrorism, and the rise in antisemitism.

During the hearing, Gottheimer discussed the serious threat posed by Iran and raised concerns about the Administration’s strategy. Gottheimer questioned why the United States appeared unprepared for the closing of the Strait of Hormuz, despite testimony confirming that the President had been briefed on the potential disruption to global supply chains and energy markets.

Watch Gottheimer’s full remarks here.

“Americans deserve clear answers and a comprehensive strategy to keep our country safe — both at home and abroad,” said Congressman Gottheimer (NJ-5). “We must ensure our intelligence community is fully equipped, objective, and prepared to meet the threats we face today.”

On Iran, Gottheimer expressed support for decisive action taken earlier this year to degrade the regime’s military capabilities, while warning that recent developments — including leadership succession within the regime — signal continued state-sponsored threats. He pressed intelligence officials on whether Iran is still pursuing nuclear weapons and what steps are being taken to counter foreign influence operations.

In addition, Gottheimer raised alarms about domestic security threats, noting the elevated threat level across the United States due to hostilities with Iran. He urged intelligence and law enforcement agencies to outline concrete steps to detect and prevent attacks on American soil.

The Congressman also voiced concern about the hiring of Dan Caldwell, a known critic of U.S. foreign policy towards the Middle East and the U.S.-Israel relationship, to a senior role in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. He also raised the recent resignation of Joe Kent from the National Counterterrorism Center who has a history of ties to white supremacists and scapegoated Israel for US involvement in Iraq and Iran in his resignation letter. Gottheimer emphasized the importance of objective, fact-based analysis during this critical moment for U.S. national security.

Finally, Gottheimer underscored the alarming rise in antisemitism nationwide, including the recent attack on a Michigan Synagogue and incidents in New Jersey, and pressed federal officials on efforts to protect Jewish communities and houses of worship.

Below: Gottheimer speaks with Rep. Houlahan during Committee’s Hearing on the 2026 Annual Worldwide Threats Assessment. 

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