US Intelligence Warns of India-Pakistan Nuclear Risk

The US Intelligence Community's Annual Threat Assessment, presented to the US Senate, warns of an ongoing risk of nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan, despite neither country seeking open confrontation. The report attributes this risk to terrorist actors who could catalyze crises, citing a past attack near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. It also notes that President Donald Trump's intervention previously de-escalated nuclear tensions. Furthermore, the assessment highlights Pakistan's development of sophisticated missile technology, including ICBMs capable of threatening the United States. Tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban are also detailed, marked by cross-border clashes and Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan's urban centers, including Kabul, in response to anti-Pakistan terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory. The Taliban, while calling for dialogue, denies harboring these militants and has been actively combating Islamic State – Khorasan Province in the region.