Reports: CIA Director Presses Russia to Reduce Support for Iran

According to reports in several US media outlets, CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Moscow on Tuesday to urge Russian intelligence officials to scale back military and economic support for Iran. Politico reported that the request is part of Washington's broader strategy to deepen Iran's international isolation and limit resources for its military activities. Specific details regarding the requests and the Russian response have not been made public. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Ratcliffe met with Russian intelligence officials but stated he did not meet with President Vladimir Putin, though the president was briefed on the discussions. Sources familiar with the trip told The Wall Street Journal that Ratcliffe also used the visit to warn Moscow against attacking any NATO member. US intelligence agencies reportedly believe that Russia could attempt to test NATO's resolve in the coming years through cyberattacks or limited ground incursions against Baltic states.