Operatives from Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence have signalled a willingness to open discussions with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) regarding a potential end to the ongoing conflict, according to a report published Wednesday by The New York Times.
The newspaper, citing Middle Eastern and Western officials briefed on the matter, said the proposal was conveyed through the intelligence service of an unnamed third country. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.
Neither the White House nor the CIA immediately responded to requests for comment.
Despite the reported outreach, officials in Washington remain sceptical about whether either Iran or the administration of Donald Trump is prepared to pursue an immediate diplomatic “off-ramp,” the report said.
Earlier this week, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva dismissed the prospect of near-term negotiations with the United States. His remarks came days after the U.S. and Israel launched joint strikes targeting sites inside Iran.
On Tuesday, President Trump stated that Tehran had expressed interest in talks but suggested the opportunity may have passed, as U.S. military operations against Iran continued.
