New Mossad director met with CIA chief on Iran

Barak Ravid

CIA Director John Ratcliffe exits the West Wing at the conclusion of a Freedom 250 Grand Prix showcase on July 13. — The new director of Israel's Mossad spy agency met recently with CIA director John Ratcliffe, pictured above. Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

The new director of Israel's Mossad spy agency, Roman Gofman, visited Washington two weeks ago for talks about the war in Iran and the Iranian nuclear program, according to two sources with knowledge.

Why it matters: Gofman is one of the closest advisers to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It was Gofman's first visit to Washington since he assumed office in June.

Driving the news: The Mossad chief's visit took place right before tensions around the Strait of Hormuz escalated and fighting resumed.

One purpose of Gofman's visit was to coordinate with the White House on negotiations with Iran on a nuclear deal, an Israeli source said.

Behind the scenes: The sources said Gofman met with CIA director John Ratcliffe as well as White House officials.

Inside Trump's inner circle, Ratcliffe was one of the more skeptical voices on the memorandum of understanding with Iran.
He warned before the MOU was signed that Iran would interpret the deal differently than the U.S., including provisions involving the strait.
The CIA and the Mossad declined to comment.

Add Axios on Google

New Mossad director met with CIA chief on Iran

What to read next