CIA

Before strikes, CIA assessed Khamenei would be replaced by hardline IRGC elements if killed

US President Donald Trump has for weeks signaled the US was interested in seeing regime change in Iran, but has not given in any detail Washington’s thinking on who could lead the country.

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei looks on during a meeting at the IRGC Aerospace Force achievements exhibition in Tehran, Iran November 19, 2023.
US President Donald Trump gestures on the day he delivers the State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the US Capitol in Washington, February 24, 2026.

Trump’s Iran calculus: A final diplomatic gamble or a countdown to conflict? - analysis

An illustration of the CIA and Iranian flags.

CIA publishes Farsi message instructing Iranians how to reach out securely

Former CIA CTO Bob Flores joins Cyber 2.0

Two senior cybersecurity figures join Cyber 2.0 advisory board


Judge denies release of CIA analyst charged with leaking Israel's Iran retaliation plans - report

Asif William Rahman was arrested by the FBI in Cambodia in November and was charged with disclosing classified documents, pleading not guilty to violating the Espionage Act.

 Seal of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Iran's flag are seen in this illustration, July 21, 2022.

CIA official arrested in Cambodia for classified doc. leak on Israel retaliation on Iran - report

CIA official Asif W. Rahman held top-secret security clearance and had access to sensitive information, the New York Times reported.

 The Qader cruise missile is seen during the annual military parade in Tehran, Iran, September 21, 2024.

New mini-hostage deal on table that would pause Gaza war

The proposed deal would see Hamas releasing eight hostages in exchange for dozens of Palestinian prisoners.

 U.S. Central Intelligence Agency Director Bill Burns is interviewed by Roula Khalaf, editor of the Financial Times, as part of the FT Weekend festival in London, Britain September 7, 2024.

Mossad chief Barnea to meet Burns in Doha to renew hostage talks

Hamas officials have also stated that they are sending representatives for talks in Doha.

Mossad chief David Barnea seen during a ceremony held at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum, May 5, 2024

'Israel must control Philadelphi Corridor to ensure Gaza security,' Former CIA director says

Former CIA director and retired general David H. Petraeus stressed that without Israel’s continued presence, any efforts at rebuilding Gaza could be undermined by terrorists.

 THE PHILADELPHI CORRIDOR between Gaza and Egypt: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly asserts that the issue of Philadelphi is not primarily a security issue, but a political-strategic one.

Former CIA director: Israel pager attack 'a form of terrorism'

He also noted his worry in the interview, describing the pager attack operation as something "that has repercussions.

 The logo of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is shown in the lobby of the CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia March 3, 2005.

What have been the CIA’s triumphs and trials during the Biden era? - opinion

Burns has emphasized the CIA’s independence, ensuring that intelligence assessments remain objective and unaffected by political bias, a critical factor in dealing with complex global issues.

 CIA DIRECTOR William Burns arrives to testify before a Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee hearing on US President Joe Biden’s proposed budget request for the CIA and National Security Agency, on Capitol Hill, in June.

Another shot at ceasefire? US to unveil new text on Gaza hostage deal gaps, Israel pessimistic

US negotiators have been more vocal regarding their criticism of Hamas, particularly in the aftermath of the terror group’s execution of six hostages over a week ago.

 CIA Director William J. Burns departs a classified briefing with members of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, US, January 30, 2024.

US switched to pressuring Israel for hostage deal concessions, officials say

Israeli officials criticize the US for pressuring Israel over the Hamas hostage deal, as the CIA says 90% of the details are finalized.

 U.S. Central Intelligence Agency Director Bill Burns is interviewed by Roula Khalaf, editor of the Financial Times, as part of the FT Weekend festival in London, Britain September 7, 2024.

Deal coming soon? CIA director says more detailed Gaza ceasefire proposal due in days

He added that it was a question of political will and he hoped leaders on both sides recognized "the time has come finally to make some hard choices and some difficult compromises."

 William Burns, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director, attends his Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, February 24, 2021.