Listen to the article
The Central Intelligence Agency reached out to potential informants in Iran on Tuesday, publishing Farsi-language instructions detailing secure methods to contact the U.S. spy agency. The timing comes as President Donald Trump considers possible military action against the country amid escalating tensions.
The recruitment message, posted across X, Instagram, and YouTube, is part of a broader CIA initiative that has previously targeted speakers of Korean, Russian, and Mandarin. However, this latest outreach occurs during a particularly tense period in U.S.-Iran relations and coincides with fresh protests against the Iranian regime.
“Hello. The Central Intelligence Agency hears you and wants to help,” the agency wrote in the message, according to an English translation. “Here are some tips on how to make a secure virtual call with us.”
The post rapidly gained traction, accumulating millions of views within hours of publication. It provides detailed security protocols for potential sources, including recommendations to use virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass internet restrictions and surveillance. The CIA also advises using disposable devices that cannot be easily traced and suggests utilizing private web browsers while routinely deleting internet history.
Additional instructions outline methods to reach the agency either through its public website or via the darknet—a section of the internet accessible only through specialized tools designed to protect user anonymity. Similar guidance has previously been published in Russian.
The United States has significantly bolstered its military presence in the Middle East, assembling its largest force in the region in decades. In January, President Trump threatened military action in response to Iran’s harsh crackdown on nationwide protests before pivoting his focus to the country’s contested nuclear program, urging Iranian leaders to negotiate a new agreement.
This diplomatic pressure continues as another round of nuclear talks is scheduled for later this week. The outreach also follows fresh signs of unrest within Iran, where students staged anti-government demonstrations at universities in Tehran on Monday.
While the CIA maintains confidentiality regarding specific outcomes of its recruitment campaigns, Director John Ratcliffe has confirmed these initiatives are producing results. “Last year, CIA’s Mandarin video campaign reached many Chinese citizens, and we know there are many more searching for a way to improve their lives and change their country for the better,” Ratcliffe stated earlier this month upon the release of a new Mandarin-language video.
This digital recruitment strategy represents an evolution in intelligence gathering techniques, leveraging social media and encrypted communications to establish connections with potential sources in countries where traditional espionage operations carry significant risks.
The Iranian government, which maintains strict control over internet access and monitors online activities, has not yet responded to the CIA’s latest recruitment effort. Iran’s Mission to the United Nations did not immediately reply to requests for comment regarding the video.
The outreach occurs against a backdrop of continued regional instability and international concern about Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The United States withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, reimposing sanctions that have severely damaged Iran’s economy and heightened tensions between the two nations.
Intelligence experts note that such public recruitment campaigns serve multiple purposes beyond source development—they also signal to target governments that their citizens might be willing to share sensitive information, potentially creating internal security concerns and mistrust within those regimes.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
8 Comments
From a strategic perspective, the CIA’s recruitment drive in Iran makes sense to gather intelligence. However, the timing is highly sensitive and the agency must exercise extreme caution to avoid unintended consequences.
It’s concerning to see the US government potentially escalating tensions with Iran through covert operations. I hope any CIA outreach is truly focused on gathering useful intelligence, not just provoking conflict.
Valid concerns. The US should be very cautious about further antagonizing Iran militarily or politically. Diplomatic solutions should be the priority to reduce regional instability.
While I understand the CIA’s motivations, this kind of covert outreach to potential informants in Iran feels very risky. The Iranian regime will likely view it as a hostile act that could further inflame tensions.
Agreed, the CIA needs to tread very carefully here. Poorly executed, this could backfire and give Iran’s hardliners justification for a crackdown on dissent and civil liberties.
This move by the CIA is certainly bold and risky, but may yield valuable intelligence if done carefully. Reaching out to potential informants in Iran is a delicate matter given the political tensions.
Agreed, the CIA needs to ensure robust security protocols to protect any sources who come forward. Missteps could have serious consequences for those involved.
The CIA’s recruitment drive in Iran raises a lot of questions. Is this truly about gathering intelligence, or is it also an attempt to sow discord and unrest within the country? Transparency and restraint will be crucial.