The Central Intelligence Agency began directing outreach to potential informants within Iran on Tuesday, publishing Farsi-language guidance on secure communication methods as President Donald Trump weighs potential military responses to escalating tensions in the region. The agency’s move, reported by multiple news outlets, comes amid heightened alert over a possible U.S. Strike and as Iranian student protests unfold.
The outreach, disseminated via X, Instagram, and YouTube, provides instructions on establishing secure contact with the CIA. According to an English translation, the agency’s message begins, “Hello. The Central Intelligence Agency hears you and wants to help.” The guidance details steps to circumvent internet restrictions and surveillance, including the use of virtual private networks (VPNs), disposable devices, private web browsers, and the deletion of internet history. Instructions also cover contacting the agency via its public website or through the darknet.
This effort is part of a broader series of recruitment initiatives by the CIA targeting potential sources in multiple countries, including Korea, Russia, and Mandarin-speaking regions. CIA Director John Ratcliffe has stated that these campaigns are yielding results, citing the impact of a Mandarin-language video released last year. “Last year, CIA’s Mandarin video campaign reached many Chinese citizens, and we know You’ll see many more searching for a way to improve their lives and change their country for the better,” Ratcliffe said earlier this month.
The timing of the Farsi-language outreach is particularly sensitive. The U.S. Has amassed its largest military force in the Middle East in decades, responding to Iranian actions, and threats. Trump initially threatened military action in January following a crackdown on national protests within Iran, before shifting focus to the country’s nuclear program and issuing warnings about a potential deal. A new round of nuclear talks is scheduled for later this week.
Simultaneous with the CIA’s outreach, anti-government protests erupted at universities in Tehran on Monday, signaling renewed unrest within Iran. The agency’s instructions emphasize secure communication practices, advising potential informants to utilize methods that conceal their identity and location. These include using a VPN to bypass internet restrictions and employing a disposable device that cannot be easily traced back to the user.
The CIA has also posted similar secure communication instructions in Russian, indicating a wider effort to cultivate sources in countries of strategic interest. As of Wednesday, a spokesperson for Iran’s Mission to the United Nations had not responded to requests for comment regarding the new video and outreach efforts.
