Iranian intelligence officials have shown interest in opening a channel with the US Central Intelligence Agency CIA to discuss ways of ending the ongoing conflict, according to a report by the New York Times. Middle Eastern and Western officials, who requested anonymity, said the offer came through the intelligence service of another country.
The White House and CIA have not commented on the matter. Officials in Washington expressed doubts about whether either Tehran or the Trump administration is prepared to pursue a diplomatic exit in the near term.
Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva dismissed the idea of negotiations with Washington on Tuesday. His remarks followed joint military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iranian targets.
President Donald Trump stated that Tehran wanted to talk but insisted that the opportunity had passed, as American forces continued operations against Iran.
