CIA Says Iran Sought Intelligence Support From China

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 18: CIA Director John L. Ratcliffe testifies during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on worldwide threats on March 18, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

CIA Director John Ratcliffe told a U.S. Senate committee that Iran has sought intelligence-sharing support from China and Russia.

“The Iranians are requesting intelligence assistance from Russia, from China, and from other adversaries of the United States, and whether or not those countries are [providing assistance] is something we can talk about in the classified portion [of the hearing],” Ratcliffe said during the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence hearing on “Worldwide Threats.”

  • Get a daily email packed with the latest news and analysis from Africa, Asia, and across the Global South.
  • Read exclusive insights on the key trends shaping China’s relations across the Global South.
  • Full access to the News Feed that provides daily updates on Chinese engagement in the Global South.

China, Africa and the Global South... find out what’s happening.

Subscribe today for unlimited access.

What is The China-Global South Project?

Independent

The China-Global South Project is passionately independent, non-partisan and does not advocate for any country, company or culture.

News

A carefully curated selection of the day’s most important China-Global South stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.

Analysis

Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalists and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Global South discourse.

Networking

A unique professional network of China-Africa scholars, analysts, journalists and other practioners from around the world.

Detected IP: ...

Create a free account, or log in.

Gain access to limited free articles, exclusive research & analysis, news updates, and podcasts.

Yes! I would like to receive new content and updates.