Iranians wishing to contact US intelligence are given guidance through social media

Iranians wishing to contact US intelligence are given guidance through social media

CIA Expands Outreach to Iranians via Social Media Amid Geopolitical Tensions

The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has launched a targeted social media campaign to establish secure communication channels with Iranians, reflecting heightened U.S. interest in gathering intelligence amid escalating tensions with Iran. The agency posted Farsi-language instructions on platforms including X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, Telegram, and YouTube, outlining steps for individuals to contact the CIA securely. This effort aligns with broader U.S. diplomatic and military posturing, as President Donald Trump has warned of potential military action against Iran if upcoming negotiations over its nuclear program fail to produce a resolution.

The CIA's message emphasizes security precautions for Iranians seeking to engage, advising them to avoid using work devices or personal phones and to employ disposable devices, trusted virtual private networks (VPNs), or anonymizing tools like the Tor Network. The agency also urged individuals to share location details, professional backgrounds, and access to information or skills deemed valuable to U.S. intelligence operations. The post, which has garnered over 3.4 million views on X, underscores the CIA's focus on safeguarding informants in authoritarian regimes where freedom of communication is restricted.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the CIA to recruit sources in closed societies, including Iran, China, North Korea, and Russia. In 2024, the agency stated that such efforts aim to counter information suppression in authoritarian states, where "telling the truth often carries serious consequences". The timing of the campaign coincides with renewed U.S.-Iran nuclear talks scheduled for Geneva, where American envoys will seek constraints on Tehran's nuclear activities. Trump has reiterated his stance that Iran must affirm it will "never have a nuclear weapon," while Iranian officials have expressed optimism about reaching a "fair and equitable deal."

The CIA's public outreach represents an unconventional approach to intelligence gathering, balancing operational needs with risks of exposing sources. As U.S. military forces amass in the Middle East, the agency's efforts highlight the interplay between diplomatic negotiations, intelligence operations, and geopolitical volatility. Iran has not publicly responded to the recruitment drive, and the outcome of the Geneva talks will likely shape the trajectory of U.S.-Iran relations in the coming months.

Reuters, February 25, 2026: Reuters, February 25, 2026
CNBC, February 25, 2026: CNBC, February 25, 2026
CNBC, February 25, 2026: CNBC, February 25, 2026