The US Central Intelligence Agency has released new instructions in Farsi on social media, providing guidance for Iranians looking to securely communicate with the agency. This move by the CIA coincides with the significant deployment of US military forces in the Middle East, potentially for a military strike against Iran in case negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear program, scheduled for Thursday, do not yield a deal.
President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of a US operation during his recent State of the Union address, emphasizing his stance against Iran having a nuclear weapon, accusing the country of being a major sponsor of terrorism. Iran has consistently denied pursuing nuclear weapons.
The CIA shared the Farsi-language message across various platforms including X, Instagram, Facebook, Telegram, and YouTube. This communication is part of the CIA’s ongoing efforts to recruit sources in countries like Iran, China, North Korea, and Russia.
The agency advised interested Iranians to take precautions before reaching out, suggesting the use of a new disposable device, avoiding work computers or personal phones, and being vigilant about their surroundings. The message requested individuals to provide their locations, names, job titles, and any relevant information or skills of interest to the agency.
It was recommended to utilize a reputable Virtual Private Network not based in Russia, Iran, or China, or the Tor Network for secure communication. The CIA refrained from commenting on the matter, while Iran’s UN delegation did not respond immediately to requests for comments.
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are set to engage with Iranian officials, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, in Geneva on Thursday for further discussions on Tehran’s nuclear program. Trump has issued warnings of military action should the negotiations fail to produce an agreement or if Iran executes individuals detained during the widespread anti-government protests in January.
Human rights organizations have reported a significant number of casualties during the government crackdown on the protests, marking the most severe internal unrest in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.