US Intelligence Agencies Split, Iran Intelligence Compromised
The friction between two of the United States’ primary intelligence agencies has begun to impact the monitoring of the Iran conflict. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has reportedly ceased its contributions to several intelligence assessments compiled by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), sparking concerns regarding the quality of national security analysis amidst escalating geopolitical tensions.
This internal conflict has persisted for over a year and is now disrupting the coordination that has long served as the foundation for intelligence reports prepared for President Donald Trump and US policymakers. “The ODNI is supposed to be the oil in the system that keeps the arteries of the intelligence community flowing and removes obstacles. When that does not happen, agencies can revert to working in silos, increasing the risk of intelligence failure,” said Beth S_anner, former Deputy Director of National Intelligence during the Trump administration, as quoted by Reuters.
According to several sources familiar with the matter, Iran is one of the most affected issues. The CIA is no longer contributing fully to several intelligence assessments prepared by the National Intelligence Council (NIC), the primary analytical body under the coordination of the ODNI, which serves as a vital reference for the US government during conflicts or wars.
The breakdown in relations between the two agencies occurred as Washington faced multiple major security challenges simultaneously, including the Iran conflict, the Russia-Ukraine war, and increased Chinese military activity. In such conditions, inter-agency collaboration is crucial to ensure decision-makers receive a complete picture of threats.
Reuters sources indicate the root of the problem began with the formation of the Director’s Initiatives Group by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard in April 2025. This task force was established to investigate alleged politicisation of the intelligence community and to handle sensitive issues, including the origins of Covid-19, voting machine security, and the declassification of documents related to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
The CIA, led by Director John Ratcliffe, considers that the group frequently ignores standard procedures regarding intelligence sharing and document declassification processes. Conversely, ODNI officials have accused the CIA of consistently obstructing the task force’s access to necessary intelligence data.
Despite halting contributions to some ODNI intelligence assessments, the CIA still maintains other channels to convey information to the White House, including the Presidential Daily Brief, a classified intelligence report provided daily to the president.
ODNI spokesperson Olivia Coleman denied any serious disruption to the flow of intelligence information. According to her, President Trump and policymakers continue to receive the best analysis from the US intelligence community. “The ODNI and its overseen agencies communicate and collaborate daily with our CIA colleagues across the entire spectrum of intelligence products and operations,” said Coleman.
Meanwhile, CIA Public Affairs Director Liz Lyons stated that the agency remains focused on addressing threats to US national interests. “Under Director Ratcliffe, the CIA is swiftly taking measured risks to defeat America’s enemies and provide a strategic advantage to the United States,” she said.
Relations between the two agencies worsened after Gabbard removed two senior CIA officials who led the NIC in May 2025. The ODNI accused both of creating a poor working environment and having a track record of politicising intelligence, though no public evidence was provided to support these allegations.
Tensions continued when Gabbard revoked the security clearances of 37 active and former intelligence officials in August 2025. This move sparked controversy as it also revealed the identity of a CIA agent operating undercover abroad.
The dispute is now the subject of an investigation by the inspector general’s office of the US intelligence community. Amid the ongoing Iran conflict, the rift between the CIA and the ODNI has raised fears that Washington is no longer obtaining a fully integrated intelligence picture, increasing the risk of miscalculation in facing one of the most sensitive conflicts currently facing the US.