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The CIA on Tuesday published a Persian-language video on its X account urging Iranian dissidents to make secure contact with the agency, coinciding with renewed anti-government protests sweeping across the country.
The outreach effort comes at a sensitive moment, with Iran entering its fourth day of escalating university protests and as U.S. and Iranian negotiators prepare for a second round of diplomatic talks in Geneva on Thursday.
The CIA’s message, written in Farsi, tells potential contacts that the agency “can hear your voice and wants to help you,” while providing detailed operational security guidance for those considering reaching out. The video walks viewers through comprehensive digital security precautions designed to protect their identities from Iranian authorities.
Among the recommendations, the CIA advises activists to avoid using office computers or personal phone lines, suggesting instead the use of disposable “burner” devices when possible. The guidance emphasizes ensuring that no one can view their screens or monitor their activities.
The agency strongly encourages the use of encryption and anonymity tools such as Tor or VPNs, warning that without such protections, visiting the CIA website could expose individuals to Iranian security services. Specific instructions for accessing the CIA’s secure contact portal through Tor and other anti-filtering services are provided in the video.
Additional security recommendations include using updated browsers such as Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox in Private Browsing or Incognito mode, and clearing device and browser histories after making contact.
The timing of the CIA’s outreach is particularly notable as it occurred on the same day CIA Director John Ratcliffe joined Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a classified “Gang of Eight” briefing on Iran on Capitol Hill, according to a source familiar with the matter who spoke to Fox News Digital.
Iran’s domestic situation has grown increasingly volatile in recent weeks. The country has witnessed a surge in anti-government demonstrations, particularly at universities, where security forces have reportedly used tear gas and gunfire to disperse protesters. Images of burned government buildings, including a state tax office in Tehran, have circulated widely.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue on a parallel track. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X that Iran reiterated it would “under no circumstances ever develop a nuclear weapon,” while insisting it would not relinquish its right to peaceful nuclear technology. Tehran characterized the moment as a “historic opportunity,” suggesting a deal was within reach if diplomacy is prioritized.
In what appears to be a show of military readiness during this period of tension, Iranian state television reported Tuesday that the Revolutionary Guard conducted military drills involving missile launches, drone flights, and live-fire exercises along the country’s coast, according to Israeli news outlet Ynet.
The juxtaposition of the CIA’s outreach to dissidents, ongoing protests, diplomatic negotiations, and military exercises highlights the complex and multifaceted relationship between Iran and the United States. The Iranian regime faces pressure both internally from growing civil unrest and externally from international diplomatic isolation.
The CIA’s unusual public outreach campaign also demonstrates the agency’s willingness to leverage social media platforms to reach potential sources in closed societies, a relatively new tactic in intelligence gathering that reflects the changing nature of information warfare in the digital age.
When contacted by Fox News Digital, the CIA had no further comment on the Persian-language video or its outreach efforts to Iranian dissidents.
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11 Comments
While I appreciate the CIA’s intent, I have concerns about the real-world impact of this outreach. The Iranian government will be watching closely, and activists could face severe consequences for attempting to make contact.
That’s a valid concern. The CIA needs to ensure their guidance is airtight and doesn’t expose Iranian dissidents to greater danger.
I appreciate the CIA’s effort to provide a secure channel for Iranians to contact them. With the crackdown on protests, this could be a lifeline for some dissidents.
This is a risky but potentially important initiative by the CIA. Providing secure channels for Iranians to communicate with the outside world could be a game-changer, if done right.
The CIA’s video message is a bold move, but I worry it could put Iranian activists at greater risk if the government cracks down on anyone trying to make contact. Operational security has to be the top priority.
Agreed. The CIA needs to be very careful in how they promote this initiative to avoid inadvertently endangering the people they’re trying to help.
The CIA’s outreach seems well-intentioned, but I wonder how effective it will be in practice given the challenges of secure communication in repressive environments. Encryption tools are vital but may not be enough.
That’s a fair point. The Iranian government will likely be monitoring for any signs of this kind of outreach, so activists will need to be extremely cautious.
The CIA’s video message is a bold move, but I worry it could backfire and make life even harder for Iranian activists if the government cracks down. Operational security has to be the top priority.
Interesting to see the CIA reaching out directly to Iranians amid the ongoing protests. Digital security guidance is crucial for activists looking to connect with outside sources safely.
This is a delicate situation, and the CIA’s outreach effort could be a double-edged sword. They need to be extremely cautious in how they promote this initiative to avoid endangering the people they’re trying to help.