CIA

Iran unwilling to make nuclear concessions, CIA director warns, citing US intel - report

According to Axios, US President Donald Trump was among the officials warned in a series of meetings leading up to Trump's announcement of a deal between Washington and Tehran.

CIA Director John L. Ratcliffe speaks as US President Donald Trump (L) looks on during a news conference in James S. Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House on April 06, 2026 in Washington, DC.
US President Donald Trump gestures as he boards Air Force One, after attending Game 3 of the NBA Finals, at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, June 8, 2026.

Trump says agreement with Iran approved by all parties involved, including Israel, cancels strikes

(Illustrative) Gold bars of different sizes are displayed at the Austrian Gold and Silver Refinery (Oegussa) in Vienna, Austria, on February 3, 2026. European and Asian stock markets struggled for direction February 4, 2026.

Ex-CIA official stole $40 million in gold bars from agency, prosecutors allege

An illustration of the CIA and Iranian flags.

CIA knows Iran's real power center while Washington pretends otherwise - opinion


'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.

Intelligence chiefs hold Doha summit in effort to close hostage deal

"There is an agreement over many points," a senior Egyptian source said, adding the negotiations will be back in Cairo on Thursday.

 Demonstrators protest for the release of Israelis held hostage in the Gaza Strip, outside Hakirya Base in Tel Aviv, July 7, 2024

CIA chief and Middle East envoy to visit region to push for hostage deal - report

Burns and McGurk's trip is part of a US move to "press on" to bring about a breakthrough in the hostage deal, the sources said. 

 People hold banners as they take part in a rally calling for the release of hostages kidnapped in the deadly October 7 attack on Israel by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas from Gaza and for support from the U.S., outside the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel March 10, 2024.

CIA chief heads to Qatar, Israel to salvage Gaza hostage deal

Burns’s emergency meeting with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Thani in Doha is “aimed at exerting maximum pressure on Israel and Hamas to continue negotiating," an official briefed on the talks.

 Director of the Central Intelligence Agency William Burns testifies at a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on worldwide threats to American security, on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., March 11, 2024.

'Determined to secure an agreement': Hamas says in a statement regarding ceasefire proposal

Hamas sends delegates to Cairo for ceasefire talks amid CIA Director's visit. Egypt mediates discussions, seeking truce amid escalating tensions in Gaza.

 Hamas parade in Gaza