CIA Chief: I Don’t Talk to Iran…Personally…In a Formal Sense By Damian Paletta
http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2016/06/29/cia-chief-i-dont-talk-to-iran-personally-in-a-formal-sense/
Perhaps it’s a Persian riddle. Or a game of diplomatic footsy. Or just spyworld now-you-see-me-now-you-don’t headfakes.
Whatever it was, Central Intelligence Agency Director John Brennan gave an elaborate and cryptic response to a question about his current working relationship with Iran.
“I don’t communicate with Iran,” he told journalist Judy Woodruff at an event Wednesday hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations.
“I do not personally have any interaction,” he followed.
Ah, personally.
He went on: “I do not have any interaction, any formal liaison relationship or engagement with Iran,” he said, starting to sound like he was regurgitating something he had memorized.
Ms. Woodruff asked if others at the CIA communicated with Iran if Mr. Brennan did not.
“The agency does not,” he quickly answered.
That seemed to settle it, until he added, “no formal intelligence liaison relationship.”
This elicited laughter from the audience.
Ms. Woodruff seemed willing to leave it at, but Mr. Brennan felt compelled to add, “But we know the Iranians very well. Just saying.”
The diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and Iran has been a constant source of tension within both governments for decades. Many U.S. officials believe Iran is helping fuel chaos in the Middle East through their actions in places like Libya and Syria. CONTINUE AT SITE
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