The Politico news website, citing two informed sources, reported that John Ratcliffe, the director of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), discussed several security and regional issues with Russian officials during a secret and unannounced trip to Moscow.
Based on this report, Ratcliffe has called on Russian officials to refrain from escalating tensions with NATO member states, especially the Baltic states.
He has also tried to convince Russia to reduce military and economic support for Iran and has called for a reduction or halt in the transfer of Russian weapons and defense technologies to Tehran.
Politico added that the CIA director advised Moscow to avoid overreacting if Russia is affected by US sanctions against Iran.
