The CIA on Tuesday posted a Persian-language video on its X account, appealing to Iranian dissidents to establish secure contact with the agency during the renewed anti-government protests within the country.
The post occurred as CIA Director John Ratcliffe participated in a classified “Gang of Eight” briefing on Iran on Capitol Hill, a source familiar with the matter informed Digital.
The CIA message, written in Farsi, states that the agency “can hear your voice and wants to assist you,” and offers for those contemplating reaching out.
The agency urges activists not to utilize office computers or personal phone lines and, instead, if feasible, to rely on a disposable “burner” device. It advises ensuring that no one can view their screen or monitor their activity.
The video guides viewers through digital security precautions intended to safeguard their identities.
It suggests using updated browsers like Google Chrome, Safari or Firefox in Private Browsing or Incognito mode and clearing device and browser histories after making contact.
The video indicates that the CIA also strongly encourages the use of encryption and anonymity tools such as Tor or a VPN, warning that without such safeguards, visiting the CIA website could be visible to Iranian security services.
The agency provides instructions for accessing its secure contact portal via Tor and other anti-filtering services.
The post comes as Iran entered its fourth day of and as U.S. negotiators are scheduled to meet Iranian counterparts in Geneva Thursday for a second round of talks.
Tehran announced it would build on “understandings forged in the previous round” and expressed determination to reach a “” quickly.
In a post on X, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran reiterated that it would “under no circumstances ever develop a nuclear weapon,” while maintaining that it would not abandon its right to peaceful nuclear technology.
Describing the moment as a “historic opportunity,” Tehran said if diplomacy is prioritized, while affirming it would defend its sovereignty “with courage” at home and at the negotiating table.
Meanwhile, Iranian state television reported Tuesday that the Revolutionary Guard carried out military drills involving missile launches, drone flights and live-fire exercises along the country’s coast, according to .
Digital contacted the CIA for comment, who had no further information to add.