CIA Disappointed Iran Chose Russian Intelligence Without Even Reaching Out First

WASHINGTON — The Central Intelligence Agency issued a statement of disappointment Monday following reports that Russia had shared targeting intelligence with Iran to assist in planned strikes against American personnel, calling the arrangement "hurtful" and expressing frustration that Tehran had not thought to loop in an agency it has worked alongside, against, and occasionally through for the better part of seven decades.

"We're not saying what Russia did was wrong, exactly," said a senior intelligence official who requested anonymity to speak candidly about his feelings. "We're saying there's a history here. There's context. And to just go around us like we don't exist — like we haven't put in the work — that's what stings."

The official paused. "Iran knows what we've been through together."

The intelligence sharing, first reported last week, allegedly saw Russian operatives pass along information that could have been used to target U.S. forces in the region. The White House downplayed the significance of the arrangement, describing the Russia-Iran relationship as "complex" and encouraging the public to view the strike coordination in a broader geopolitical context rather than a narrowly personal one.

Intelligence community sources say they are trying.

"Nobody is making this personal," said a second official. "We are making it professional. There is a difference. Professionally, you reach out. Professionally, you say, 'Hey, we're putting something together, do you want in.' That's how it works. That's how it has always worked."

Asked whether the CIA had itself ever shared intelligence with parties hostile to American interests, the official said that was a completely different situation and he would not be taking further questions at this time.

The CIA declined to comment on whether it had attempted to reach out to Iranian counterparts since the reports emerged, but sources familiar with the agency's posture described the current mood as "the ball is in their court."

Russia has not responded to requests for comment. Iran has also not responded, which officials noted is at least consistent with how Iran has always been, and therefore slightly less painful than the Russia thing.

The targeting intelligence did not result in a successful strike. The CIA declined to say whether it would have done better.