The Kremlin said on Tuesday that a man identified by the Russian media as a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-extracted-spy-that-confirmed-putin-role-in-2016-us-vote-reports-248755">spy extracted by the CIA</a> had worked there but was fired and did not have direct contact with President Vladimir Putin.

Influential newspaper Kommersant, citing its sources, identified a Russian man as the high-level government source who was reportedly pulled out of Russia in 2017.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the man "worked in the presidential administration but a few years ago he was fired by an internal order".

Asked when exactly, he said he was not sure but that it was "in 2016 or 2017".

America's CNN news channel had reported that the source had been providing information for decades, had access to Putin and had sent pictures of high-level documents on the Russian leader's desk.

Peskov said that the man's job did not give him this level of access.

"His position was not in the category of senior official," Peskov said. "This position does not call for contacts with the president as such."

Peskov said of the US reports that they were "rather in the genre of pulp fiction".

"I don't know whether he was an agent or not. I can only confirm that he worked for the presidential administration and he was sacked," he said.

The Kremlin said on Tuesday that a man identified by the Russian media as a spy extracted by the CIA had worked there but was fired and did not have direct contact with President Vladimir Putin.

The Kremlin said on Tuesday that a man identified by the Russian media as a spy extracted by the CIA had worked there but was fired and did not have direct contact with President Vladimir Putin. Influential newspaper Kommersant, citing its sources, identified a Russian man as the high-level government source who was reportedly pulled out of Russia in 2017. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the man "worked in the presidential administration but a few years ago he was fired by an internal order". Asked when exactly, he said he was not sure but that it was "in 2016 or 2017". America's CNN news channel had reported that the source had been providing information for decades, had access to Putin and had sent pictures of high-level documents on the Russian leader's desk. Peskov said that the man's job did not give him this level of access. "His position was not in the category of senior official," Peskov said. "This position does not call for contacts with the president as such." Peskov said of the US reports that they were "rather in the genre of pulp fiction". "I don't know whether he was an agent or not. I can only confirm that he worked for the presidential administration and he was sacked," he said.

Man worked in Putin's administration but was fired: Kremlin on Russian spy extracted by CIA

Why the CIA doesn't spy on the UAE

Pakistan's powerful spy agency ISI provided information to the CIA which helped the US track down and kill al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Monday in a significant revelation as Islamabad had so far denied having any knowledge of the terror chief until he was shot dead in 2011.

Major embarrassment For Pakistan On Osama Bin Laden

Pakistan's main spy agency provided the US with a lead that helped them find and kill Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/could-win-afghanistan-war-in-a-week-or-ten-days-but-chose-not-to-do-so-says-donald-trump-in-meeting-with-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-237798">Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> said Monday.

Pakistan has officially denied having any knowledge of the terror chief until he was shot dead in a night-time raid by US special forces on May 2, 2011, an incident that was a major national embarrassment and caused ties between the two countries to plummet.

Khan, who is visiting Washington on his first official trip, made his claim in an interview with Fox News when he was asked whether his country would release a jailed doctor whose fake immunisation drive helped the US track and kill the terror chief in 2011.

"This is a very emotive issue because Shakeel Afridi in Pakistan is considered a spy," he told host Bret Baier, referring to the doctor.&nbsp;

"We in Pakistan always felt that we were an ally of the US and if we had been given the information about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-adds-osama-bin-ladens-son-to-its-seeking-more-information-list-217428">Osama Bin Laden</a>, we should have taken him out."

Baier then asked if Khan understood the scepticism around the Inter-Services Intelligence agency (ISI) for leaking key information, to which Khan replied:

"And yet it was ISI that gave the information which led to the location of Osama Bin Laden.

"If you ask CIA it was ISI which gave the initial location through the phone connection."

It was not immediately clear what Khan was referring to and he did not provide more detail.

"Governance implosion syndrome"

Though Pakistan officially denies knowing that Bin Laden was living on its territory, Asad Durrani, a former spymaster, told Al Jazeera in 2015 that the ISI probably knew where he was hiding and hoped to use him as a bargaining chip before he was killed.

The Al-Qaeda chief was tracked down after a 10-year manhunt to Abbottabad, a garrison town north of Islamabad where Pakistan's military academy is headquartered, sparking allegations authorities were colluding with the terror group.

A leaked Pakistani government report in 2013 said Bin Laden arrived in Pakistan in the spring or summer of 2002 -- after the 2001 US-led invasion of Afghanistan -- and settled in Abbottabad in August 2005.

The report, which coined the term "governance implosion syndrome" to explain the extent of official failures to detect him, said he was once stopped for speeding and enjoyed wearing a cowboy hat.

Two former senior Pakistani military officials told AFP in 2015 that a defector from Pakistani intelligence assisted the US in its hunt for Osama bin Laden, but denied the two countries had officially worked together.

Pakistan's main spy agency provided the US with a lead that helped them find and kill Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Monday. Pakistan has officially denied having any knowledge of the terror chief until he was shot dead in a night-time raid by US special forces on May 2, 2011, an incident that was a major national embarrassment and caused ties between the two countries to plummet.

Pakistan's main spy agency provided the US with a lead that helped them find and kill Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Monday. Pakistan has officially denied having any knowledge of the terror chief until he was shot dead in a night-time raid by US special forces on May 2, 2011, an incident that was a major national embarrassment and caused ties between the two countries to plummet. Khan, who is visiting Washington on his first official trip, made his claim in an interview with Fox News when he was asked whether his country would release a jailed doctor whose fake immunisation drive helped the US track and kill the terror chief in 2011. "This is a very emotive issue because Shakeel Afridi in Pakistan is considered a spy," he told host Bret Baier, referring to the doctor. "We in Pakistan always felt that we were an ally of the US and if we had been given the information about Osama Bin Laden, we should have taken him out." Baier then asked if Khan understood the scepticism around the Inter-Services Intelligence agency (ISI) for leaking key information, to which Khan replied: "And yet it was ISI that gave the information which led to the location of Osama Bin Laden. "If you ask CIA it was ISI which gave the initial location through the phone connection." It was not immediately clear what Khan was referring to and he did not provide more detail. "Governance implosion syndrome" Though Pakistan officially denies knowing that Bin Laden was living on its territory, Asad Durrani, a former spymaster, told Al Jazeera in 2015 that the ISI probably knew where he was hiding and hoped to use him as a bargaining chip before he was killed. The Al-Qaeda chief was tracked down after a 10-year manhunt to Abbottabad, a garrison town north of Islamabad where Pakistan's military academy is headquartered, sparking allegations authorities were colluding with the terror group. A leaked Pakistani government report in 2013 said Bin Laden arrived in Pakistan in the spring or summer of 2002 -- after the 2001 US-led invasion of Afghanistan -- and settled in Abbottabad in August 2005. The report, which coined the term "governance implosion syndrome" to explain the extent of official failures to detect him, said he was once stopped for speeding and enjoyed wearing a cowboy hat. Two former senior Pakistani military officials told AFP in 2015 that a defector from Pakistani intelligence assisted the US in its hunt for Osama bin Laden, but denied the two countries had officially worked together.

Pakistani intelligence led CIA to Osama Bin Laden: Imran Khan

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo dismissed Iran’s announcement it had<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-sentences-us-spies-to-death-after-claiming-to-have-broken-cias-intelligence-ring-237639"> captured 17 spies</a> working for the US Central Intelligence Agency(CIA)&nbsp;and sentenced some to death.

Iran made the announcement in state media, saying the alleged spies had been arrested in the 12 months to March 2019. Such announcements are not unusual in Iran, but the timing has raised concerns that Tehran is hardening its position in its standoff with Western powers.

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The Report of Iran capturing CIA spies is totally false. Zero truth. Just more lies and propaganda (like their shot down drone) put out by a Religious Regime that is Badly Failing and has no idea what to do. Their Economy is dead, and will get much worse. Iran is a total mess!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1153290669424807936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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“The Iranian regime has a long history of lying ... I would take with a significant grain of salt any Iranian assertion about actions that they’ve taken,” Pompeo said in an interview with Fox News Channel.

Pompeo declined to comment about any specific cases, but added: “There’s a long list of Americans that we are working to get home from the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

In recent weeks, the United States has blamed Iran for a string of incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, an important shipping alley in the oil trade bordering one coast of Iran. Iran has denied the accusations.

On Friday, Iran seized a British-flagged oil tanker in the strait. Tehran had previously warned it would retaliate after Britain captured an Iranian tanker off the coast of Gibraltar.

Asked about any possible US role in the tensions, Pompeo said, “The responsibility ... falls to the United Kingdom to take care of their ships.”

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo dismissed Iran’s announcement it had captured 17 spies working for the US Central Intelligence Agency(CIA) and sentenced some to death.

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo dismissed Iran’s announcement it had captured 17 spies working for the US Central Intelligence Agency(CIA) and sentenced some to death. Iran made the announcement in state media, saying the alleged spies had been arrested in the 12 months to March 2019. Such announcements are not unusual in Iran, but the timing has raised concerns that Tehran is hardening its position in its standoff with Western powers. The Report of Iran capturing CIA spies is totally false. Zero truth. Just more lies and propaganda (like their shot down drone) put out by a Religious Regime that is Badly Failing and has no idea what to do. Their Economy is dead, and will get much worse. Iran is a total mess! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 22, 2019 × “The Iranian regime has a long history of lying ... I would take with a significant grain of salt any Iranian assertion about actions that they’ve taken,” Pompeo said in an interview with Fox News Channel. Pompeo declined to comment about any specific cases, but added: “There’s a long list of Americans that we are working to get home from the Islamic Republic of Iran.” In recent weeks, the United States has blamed Iran for a string of incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, an important shipping alley in the oil trade bordering one coast of Iran. Iran has denied the accusations. On Friday, Iran seized a British-flagged oil tanker in the strait. Tehran had previously warned it would retaliate after Britain captured an Iranian tanker off the coast of Gibraltar. Asked about any possible US role in the tensions, Pompeo said, “The responsibility ... falls to the United Kingdom to take care of their ships.”

The regime has a long history of lying: Pompeo on Iran capturing CIA spies

Iran has captured 17 spies working for the US&nbsp;Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and some have been sentenced to death, Iranian media reported on Monday.

State television quoted the Intelligence Ministry as saying it had broken up a CIA spying ring and captured 17 suspects. A ministry official said some of those arrested had been sentenced to death, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.&nbsp;

The announcement comes after three months of spiralling confrontation with the West that began when new tighter US sanctions took effect at the start of May. Last week <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-zarif-calls-for-prudence-and-foresight-as-tensions-mount-with-uk-237486">Iran</a> captured a British tanker in the Strait of Hormuz after Britain’s Royal Marines seized an Iranian tanker off the coast of Gibraltar on July 4.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-warship-warned-iranian-forces-against-seizing-tanker-237484"> British warship warned Iranian forces against seizing tanker</a>

"The identified spies were employed insensitive and vital private sector centres in the economic, nuclear, infrastructural, military and cyber areas... where they collected classified information,"&nbsp;said a ministry statement read on state television.

Watch: Radio talk between Iran and UK Navies

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It was not immediately clear if the arrests were linked to the case in which Iran said in June it had exposed a large cyberespionage network it alleged was run by the CIA, and that several US spies had been arrested in different countries as a result of this action.

Iran has captured 17 spies working for the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and some have been sentenced to death, Iranian media reported on Monday. State television quoted the Intelligence Ministry as saying it had broken up a CIA spying ring and captured 17 suspects.

Iran has captured 17 spies working for the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and some have been sentenced to death, Iranian media reported on Monday. State television quoted the Intelligence Ministry as saying it had broken up a CIA spying ring and captured 17 suspects. A ministry official said some of those arrested had been sentenced to death, the semi-official Fars news agency reported. The announcement comes after three months of spiralling confrontation with the West that began when new tighter US sanctions took effect at the start of May. Last week Iran captured a British tanker in the Strait of Hormuz after Britain’s Royal Marines seized an Iranian tanker off the coast of Gibraltar on July 4. Also read: British warship warned Iranian forces against seizing tanker "The identified spies were employed insensitive and vital private sector centres in the economic, nuclear, infrastructural, military and cyber areas... where they collected classified information," said a ministry statement read on state television. Watch: Radio talk between Iran and UK Navies × It was not immediately clear if the arrests were linked to the case in which Iran said in June it had exposed a large cyberespionage network it alleged was run by the CIA, and that several US spies had been arrested in different countries as a result of this action.

Iran sentences US spies to death after claiming to have broken CIA's intelligence ring

Pakistan must recognise that any existential threat it faces is not from India but from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-condemns-murder-of-pakistani-journalist-230670">extremists within its own territory</a>, a former CIA director and retired US Army General said on Thursday.

General (Retd) David H Petraeus, who is now in the field of global investments as member and chairman of KKR Global Institute, recounted his time in the US Army and the intelligence service as one of "dashed hopes" of trying to help Pakistan with its efforts to curb extremism at the time.

"The challenge for Pakistan is that it has never truly accepted that the existential threat to the country is not India; it is actually the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fatf-chief-hints-at-blacklisting-of-pak-for-terror-financing-230408"> internal extremists</a> that are eating away at the elements of society and civic life and doing so much damage in so many different respects," said Petraeus.&nbsp;

The former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director was addressing a 'How should the world view India' session at the Leaders' Summit during UK-India Week in Buckinghamshire near London.

"They [extremists] are gradually propagating more extremism. The education system has degraded somewhat, parents end up sending their kids to madrassas instead of the public schools. And, this a very dangerous downward spiral, which then when you combine with the distortions in the economy defies explanation," he said in response to a question on India-Pakistan relations.

Petraeus, who served as CIA director during Barack Obama's presidency in the US in 2011-12, said he had worked "very, very hard" in several different assignments, including as CIA director, to build a relationship with two key leaders of Pakistan at the time -&nbsp;the chief of Army staff and the director of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

"We have had very high hopes as a succession of civilian leaders have taken office and hope that they could actually deal with this and yet, we have not seen that materialise sadly," he said.

"If they can't deal with that internal challenge [extremism], then there is going to be continual frustration for India," Petraeus said.

Characterising Pakistan as a "favourite frenemy", a friend who the US tried to help, he expressed "frustration" that some of the counter-insurgency work targeted at the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) around 2009 ran out of momentum and did not see that manifest itself again.

"I flew halfway around the world one time, literally to meet with some of the Pakistani leaders because it was that important a relationship to us. And yet, at the end of the day, there was a frustrating element to it because the kind of cooperation we hoped, just ultimately didn't fully materialise. And that has been the story ever since," he lamented.

Pakistan must recognise that any existential threat it faces is not from India but from the extremists within its own territory, a former CIA director and retired US Army General said on Thursday.

Pakistan must recognise that any existential threat it faces is not from India but from the extremists within its own territory, a former CIA director and retired US Army General said on Thursday. General (Retd) David H Petraeus, who is now in the field of global investments as member and chairman of KKR Global Institute, recounted his time in the US Army and the intelligence service as one of "dashed hopes" of trying to help Pakistan with its efforts to curb extremism at the time. "The challenge for Pakistan is that it has never truly accepted that the existential threat to the country is not India; it is actually the internal extremists that are eating away at the elements of society and civic life and doing so much damage in so many different respects," said Petraeus. The former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director was addressing a 'How should the world view India' session at the Leaders' Summit during UK-India Week in Buckinghamshire near London. "They [extremists] are gradually propagating more extremism. The education system has degraded somewhat, parents end up sending their kids to madrassas instead of the public schools. And, this a very dangerous downward spiral, which then when you combine with the distortions in the economy defies explanation," he said in response to a question on India-Pakistan relations. Petraeus, who served as CIA director during Barack Obama's presidency in the US in 2011-12, said he had worked "very, very hard" in several different assignments, including as CIA director, to build a relationship with two key leaders of Pakistan at the time - the chief of Army staff and the director of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). "We have had very high hopes as a succession of civilian leaders have taken office and hope that they could actually deal with this and yet, we have not seen that materialise sadly," he said. "If they can't deal with that internal challenge [extremism], then there is going to be continual frustration for India," Petraeus said. Characterising Pakistan as a "favourite frenemy", a friend who the US tried to help, he expressed "frustration" that some of the counter-insurgency work targeted at the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) around 2009 ran out of momentum and did not see that manifest itself again. "I flew halfway around the world one time, literally to meet with some of the Pakistani leaders because it was that important a relationship to us. And yet, at the end of the day, there was a frustrating element to it because the kind of cooperation we hoped, just ultimately didn't fully materialise. And that has been the story ever since," he lamented.

Pakistan never truly accepted existential threat is not India: Ex-CIA director Petraeus

Iran said Tuesday it had dismantled a US spy network after Washington announced it would deploy 1,000 more troops to the Middle East and as key powers expressed concerns about regional tensions.

Tehran's announcement came a day after it said<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-must-stick-to-nuclear-commitments-warn-germany-uk-over-enriched-uranium-row-228119"> its uranium stockpile will on June 27 surpass a limit</a> agreed in the 2015 nuclear deal, a multilateral agreement Washington unilaterally abandoned in May last year.

Tensions between Tehran and the US have escalated ever since, with Washington bolstering its military presence in the region, reimposing sanctions and blacklisting Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organisation.

"Following clues in the American intelligence services, we recently found the new recruits Americans had hired and dismantled a new network," Iran's state news agency IRNA said, quoting an intelligence ministry official.

It said some members of the alleged CIA network had been arrested and handed over to the judiciary, while others still required "additional investigations".

In what it termed a "wide-reaching blow" to &nbsp;US intelligence, IRNA said Tehran had carried out the operation in cooperation with "foreign allies", without naming any state.

The agency's source did not specify how many agents were arrested or if they were operating only in Iran.

'Show restraint'

In Moscow, President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday urged all sides "to show restraint."

"We would prefer not to see any steps that could introduce additional tensions in the already unstable region," he told journalists.

And China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned all sides "not to take any actions to provoke the escalation of tension... and not to open a Pandora's box."

He urged Washington to "change its practise of extreme pressure" but also called on Tehran not to abandon the nuclear agreement "so easily."

On Monday, Washington piled on the pressure against Iran by announcing a new troop deployment.

"I have authorised approximately 1,000 additional troops for defensive purposes", acting Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan said in a statement.

The United States has blamed Iran for last week's attacks on two tankers in the Gulf of Oman, an accusation Tehran denies as "baseless."

The Pentagon released new images on Monday that it said showed Iran was behind the attack on one of the ships.

The US argument centres on what it describes as an unexploded limpet mine on the Kokuka Courageous tanker ship that it says was removed by Iranians on a patrol boat.

"Iran is responsible for the attack based on video evidence and the resources and proficiency needed to quickly remove the unexploded limpet mine," the Pentagon said in a statement accompanying the imagery.

The US released a grainy black and white video last week it said showed the Iranians removing the mine, but has not provided an explanation for why they allegedly did so while the US military was in the area.

French President Emmanuel Macron took a more circumspect line, saying that "only once all the information has been gathered and all the doubts lifted can the attributions (of blame) be made in a certain way."

The images released Monday show the site where the unexploded mine was allegedly attached, personnel on a patrol boat who are said to have removed the device, and damage from another device that did explode.

Tehran has vehemently denied any involvement in the attack on the Kokuka Courageous and another ship, and hinted that Washington itself could have done it to pile further pressure on the Islamic republic.

Iran ultimatum

Iran's atomic energy organisation spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said Monday that the country would soon pass the amount of low-enriched uranium allowed under the nuclear deal.

"The countdown to pass the 300 kilogrammes reserve of enriched uranium has started and in 10 days' time... we will pass this limit," Kamalvandi said.

The move "will be reversed once other parties live up to their commitments," he added.

US State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus responded that the world "should not yield to nuclear extortion."

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani announced on May 8 that Iran would stop observing restrictions it had agreed to in the nuclear deal, in retaliation for the US withdrawal.

Rouhani also warned that his country will further scale down nuclear commitments by July 8 unless remaining parties to the deal -- Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia -- help it circumvent US sanctions and sell its oil.

On Tuesday, he reiterated in a speech that Tehran was committed to the nuclear deal and said there was "no one in the world that does not praise Iran."

European leaders have urged Iran to stick to the deal, which saw the country pledge to reduce nuclear capacities for several years and allow international inspectors to monitor its activities on the ground in return for relief from international sanctions.

The deal set a limit on the number of uranium-enriching centrifuges, and restricted the country's right to enrich uranium to no higher than 3.67 percent, well below weapons-grade levels of around 90 percent.

Iran said Tuesday it had dismantled a US spy network after Washington announced it would deploy 1,000 more troops to the Middle East and as key powers expressed concerns about regional tensions.

Iran said Tuesday it had dismantled a US spy network after Washington announced it would deploy 1,000 more troops to the Middle East and as key powers expressed concerns about regional tensions. Tehran's announcement came a day after it said its uranium stockpile will on June 27 surpass a limit agreed in the 2015 nuclear deal, a multilateral agreement Washington unilaterally abandoned in May last year. Tensions between Tehran and the US have escalated ever since, with Washington bolstering its military presence in the region, reimposing sanctions and blacklisting Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organisation. "Following clues in the American intelligence services, we recently found the new recruits Americans had hired and dismantled a new network," Iran's state news agency IRNA said, quoting an intelligence ministry official. It said some members of the alleged CIA network had been arrested and handed over to the judiciary, while others still required "additional investigations". In what it termed a "wide-reaching blow" to US intelligence, IRNA said Tehran had carried out the operation in cooperation with "foreign allies", without naming any state. The agency's source did not specify how many agents were arrested or if they were operating only in Iran. 'Show restraint' In Moscow, President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday urged all sides "to show restraint." "We would prefer not to see any steps that could introduce additional tensions in the already unstable region," he told journalists. And China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned all sides "not to take any actions to provoke the escalation of tension... and not to open a Pandora's box." He urged Washington to "change its practise of extreme pressure" but also called on Tehran not to abandon the nuclear agreement "so easily." On Monday, Washington piled on the pressure against Iran by announcing a new troop deployment. "I have authorised approximately 1,000 additional troops for defensive purposes", acting Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan said in a statement. The United States has blamed Iran for last week's attacks on two tankers in the Gulf of Oman, an accusation Tehran denies as "baseless." The Pentagon released new images on Monday that it said showed Iran was behind the attack on one of the ships. The US argument centres on what it describes as an unexploded limpet mine on the Kokuka Courageous tanker ship that it says was removed by Iranians on a patrol boat. "Iran is responsible for the attack based on video evidence and the resources and proficiency needed to quickly remove the unexploded limpet mine," the Pentagon said in a statement accompanying the imagery. The US released a grainy black and white video last week it said showed the Iranians removing the mine, but has not provided an explanation for why they allegedly did so while the US military was in the area. French President Emmanuel Macron took a more circumspect line, saying that "only once all the information has been gathered and all the doubts lifted can the attributions (of blame) be made in a certain way." The images released Monday show the site where the unexploded mine was allegedly attached, personnel on a patrol boat who are said to have removed the device, and damage from another device that did explode. Tehran has vehemently denied any involvement in the attack on the Kokuka Courageous and another ship, and hinted that Washington itself could have done it to pile further pressure on the Islamic republic. Iran ultimatum Iran's atomic energy organisation spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said Monday that the country would soon pass the amount of low-enriched uranium allowed under the nuclear deal. "The countdown to pass the 300 kilogrammes reserve of enriched uranium has started and in 10 days' time... we will pass this limit," Kamalvandi said. The move "will be reversed once other parties live up to their commitments," he added. US State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus responded that the world "should not yield to nuclear extortion." Iran's President Hassan Rouhani announced on May 8 that Iran would stop observing restrictions it had agreed to in the nuclear deal, in retaliation for the US withdrawal. Rouhani also warned that his country will further scale down nuclear commitments by July 8 unless remaining parties to the deal -- Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia -- help it circumvent US sanctions and sell its oil. On Tuesday, he reiterated in a speech that Tehran was committed to the nuclear deal and said there was "no one in the world that does not praise Iran." European leaders have urged Iran to stick to the deal, which saw the country pledge to reduce nuclear capacities for several years and allow international inspectors to monitor its activities on the ground in return for relief from international sanctions. The deal set a limit on the number of uranium-enriching centrifuges, and restricted the country's right to enrich uranium to no higher than 3.67 percent, well below weapons-grade levels of around 90 percent.

Iran says CIA spy network dismantled, arrested number of spies

Reports Suggest Kim Jong Un 's Slain Half Brother Kim Jong Nam Had A Nexus With The CIA Was Kim Jong Nam, the slain half brother of North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un a spy of CIA? What's the nexus between the U.S. & Kim Jong Nam? Here's a report

Gravitas: Was Kim's slain half brother a CIA spy?

Kim Jong Nam, the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un who was killed in Malaysia in 2017, had been an informant for the US Central Intelligence Agency, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.

The Journal cited an unnamed "person knowledgeable about the matter" for the report, and said many details of Kim Jong Nam`s relationship with the CIA remained unclear.

Reuters could not independently confirm the story. The CIA declined to comment.

The Journal quoted the person as saying "There was a nexus" between the CIA and Kim Jong Nam.

"Several former US officials said the half brother, who had lived outside of North Korea for many years and had no known power base in Pyongyang, was unlikely to be able to provide details of the secretive country`s inner workings," the Journal said.

The former officials also said Kim Jong Nam had been almost certainly in contact with security services of other countries, particularly China`s, the Journal said.

Kim Jong Nam`s role as a CIA informant is mentioned in a new book about Kim Jong Un, "The Great Successor," by Washington Post reporter Anna Fifield that is due to be published on Tuesday. Fifield says Kim Jong Nam usually met his handlers in Singapore and Malaysia, citing a source with knowledge of the intelligence.

The book says that security camera footage from Kim Jong Nam`s last trip to Malaysia showed him in a hotel elevator with an Asian-looking man who was reported to be a US &nbsp;intelligence agent. It said Ki`s backpack contained $120,000 in cash, which could have been payment for intelligence-related activities, or earnings from his casino businesses.

South Korean and US officials have said the North Korean authorities had ordered the assassination of Kim Jong Nam, who had been critical of his family`s dynastic rule. Pyongyang has denied the allegation.

Two women were charged with poisoning Kim Jong Nam by smearing his face with liquid VX, a banned chemical weapon, at Kuala Lumpur airport in February 2017. Malaysia released Doan Thi Huong, who is Vietnamese, in May, and Indonesian Siti Aisyah in March.

According to the Journal, the person said Kim Jong Nam had traveled to Malaysia in February 2017 to meet his CIA contact, although that may not have been the sole purpose of the trip.

US President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un have met twice, in Hanoi in February and Singapore last June, seeming to build personal goodwill but failing to agree on a deal to lift US sanctions in exchange for North Korea abandoning its nuclear and missile programs.

Kim Jong Nam, the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un who was killed in Malaysia in 2017, had been an informant for the US Central Intelligence Agency, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.

Kim Jong Nam, the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un who was killed in Malaysia in 2017, had been an informant for the US Central Intelligence Agency, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday. The Journal cited an unnamed "person knowledgeable about the matter" for the report, and said many details of Kim Jong Nam`s relationship with the CIA remained unclear. Reuters could not independently confirm the story. The CIA declined to comment. The Journal quoted the person as saying "There was a nexus" between the CIA and Kim Jong Nam. "Several former US officials said the half brother, who had lived outside of North Korea for many years and had no known power base in Pyongyang, was unlikely to be able to provide details of the secretive country`s inner workings," the Journal said. The former officials also said Kim Jong Nam had been almost certainly in contact with security services of other countries, particularly China`s, the Journal said. Kim Jong Nam`s role as a CIA informant is mentioned in a new book about Kim Jong Un, "The Great Successor," by Washington Post reporter Anna Fifield that is due to be published on Tuesday. Fifield says Kim Jong Nam usually met his handlers in Singapore and Malaysia, citing a source with knowledge of the intelligence. The book says that security camera footage from Kim Jong Nam`s last trip to Malaysia showed him in a hotel elevator with an Asian-looking man who was reported to be a US intelligence agent. It said Ki`s backpack contained $120,000 in cash, which could have been payment for intelligence-related activities, or earnings from his casino businesses. South Korean and US officials have said the North Korean authorities had ordered the assassination of Kim Jong Nam, who had been critical of his family`s dynastic rule. Pyongyang has denied the allegation. Two women were charged with poisoning Kim Jong Nam by smearing his face with liquid VX, a banned chemical weapon, at Kuala Lumpur airport in February 2017. Malaysia released Doan Thi Huong, who is Vietnamese, in May, and Indonesian Siti Aisyah in March. According to the Journal, the person said Kim Jong Nam had traveled to Malaysia in February 2017 to meet his CIA contact, although that may not have been the sole purpose of the trip. US President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un have met twice, in Hanoi in February and Singapore last June, seeming to build personal goodwill but failing to agree on a deal to lift US sanctions in exchange for North Korea abandoning its nuclear and missile programs.

North Korean leader's slain half-brother was a CIA informant: Report

Kim Jong Nam, the half-brother of North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, had been a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) informant, according to a report. Watch this video to know more.

Was Kim's brother a CIA informant?

A former CIA officer could spend the rest of his life behind bars after pleading guilty on Wednesday to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-diplomat-pleads-guilty-in-china-spying-case-213309">spying for China</a>, the Justice Department said.

Jerry Chun Shing Lee, 54, was arrested in January 2018, suspected of having provided information on a CIA network of informants that was brought down by China between 2010 and 2012.

Lee pleaded guilty before a US District Court judge in the Eastern District of Virginia to conspiring to provide national defence information to China, the Justice Department said in a statement.

Lee, a former CIA case officer, left the Central Intelligence Agency in 2007 and moved to Hong Kong.

According to the Justice Department, he was approached by two Chinese intelligence officers in April 2010.

They offered to pay Lee $100,000 for information and to take care of him "for life" in exchange for his cooperation, it said.

The Justice Department said that in May 2010, Lee created a document on his laptop that described where the CIA assigns officers and the "particular location and timeframe of a sensitive CIA operation."

It said the FBI had also recovered handwritten notes made by Lee related to his work for the CIA.

"These notes included, among other things, intelligence provided by CIA assets, true names of assets, operational meeting locations and phone numbers and information about covert facilities," the Justice Department said.

John Brown, the FBI's assistant director for counterintelligence, said that Lee's actions had "dangerous ramifications."

"By knowingly aiding a foreign government, Mr Lee put our country's national security at serious risk and also threatened the safety and personal security of innocent people, namely his former intelligence colleagues," Brown said.

Ron Rockwell Hansen, 58, a former Defence Intelligence Agency official, faces 15 years in prison when he is sentenced later this year under a guilty plea to a charge of attempting to sell classified information to China.

Former State Department official Kevin Mallory was arrested in 2017 for spying for China.

And another US diplomat, Candace Marie Claiborne, was also arrested recently for taking money from Chinese intelligence officials, though she was not directly accused of supplying information in exchange.

FBI Director Christopher Wray said last week that China poses the most serious intelligence threat to the United States.

Speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) in Washington, Wray said China poses a "multi-layered" threat to US interests.

"They're doing it through Chinese intelligence services, through state-owned enterprises, through ostensibly private companies, through graduate students and researchers, through a variety of actors all working on behalf of China," he said.

Lee is to be sentenced on August 23. He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

A former CIA officer could spend the rest of his life behind bars after pleading guilty on Wednesday to spying for China, the Justice Department said. Jerry Chun Shing Lee, 54, was arrested in January 2018, suspected of having provided information on a CIA network of informants that was brought down by China between 2010 and 2012.

A former CIA officer could spend the rest of his life behind bars after pleading guilty on Wednesday to spying for China, the Justice Department said. Jerry Chun Shing Lee, 54, was arrested in January 2018, suspected of having provided information on a CIA network of informants that was brought down by China between 2010 and 2012. Lee pleaded guilty before a US District Court judge in the Eastern District of Virginia to conspiring to provide national defence information to China, the Justice Department said in a statement. Lee, a former CIA case officer, left the Central Intelligence Agency in 2007 and moved to Hong Kong. According to the Justice Department, he was approached by two Chinese intelligence officers in April 2010. They offered to pay Lee $100,000 for information and to take care of him "for life" in exchange for his cooperation, it said. The Justice Department said that in May 2010, Lee created a document on his laptop that described where the CIA assigns officers and the "particular location and timeframe of a sensitive CIA operation." It said the FBI had also recovered handwritten notes made by Lee related to his work for the CIA. "These notes included, among other things, intelligence provided by CIA assets, true names of assets, operational meeting locations and phone numbers and information about covert facilities," the Justice Department said. John Brown, the FBI's assistant director for counterintelligence, said that Lee's actions had "dangerous ramifications." "By knowingly aiding a foreign government, Mr Lee put our country's national security at serious risk and also threatened the safety and personal security of innocent people, namely his former intelligence colleagues," Brown said. Ron Rockwell Hansen, 58, a former Defence Intelligence Agency official, faces 15 years in prison when he is sentenced later this year under a guilty plea to a charge of attempting to sell classified information to China. Former State Department official Kevin Mallory was arrested in 2017 for spying for China. And another US diplomat, Candace Marie Claiborne, was also arrested recently for taking money from Chinese intelligence officials, though she was not directly accused of supplying information in exchange. FBI Director Christopher Wray said last week that China poses the most serious intelligence threat to the United States. Speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) in Washington, Wray said China poses a "multi-layered" threat to US interests. "They're doing it through Chinese intelligence services, through state-owned enterprises, through ostensibly private companies, through graduate students and researchers, through a variety of actors all working on behalf of China," he said. Lee is to be sentenced on August 23. He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Former CIA officer Jerry Chun Shing Lee pleads guilty to spying for China

US intelligence accusses Huawei of Chinese funding

North Korean leader <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-sets-off-by-train-to-vietnam-for-summit-with-trump-report-199156">Kim Jong-Un</a> told the US&nbsp;secretary of state he did not want his children to live with the burden of nuclear weapons, a former CIA officer involved in high-level diplomacy over the North's weapons was quoted as saying on Saturday.

Kim made the rare personal comments to Mike Pompeo during a visit to the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, in April last year to lay the groundwork for the historic first summit between the North's leader and US President Donald Trump in June in Singapore, former CIA official Andrew Kim said, South Korea's Yonhap news agency and the Wall Street Journal reported.

“'I’m a father and a husband. And I have children'," Andrew Kim quoted the North Korean leader as telling Pompeo when asked whether he was willing to end his nuclear programme.

"'And I don’t want my children to carry the nuclear weapon on their back their whole life.’ That was his answer," Andrew Kim told a lecture on Friday at Stanford University’s Asia Pacific Research Center, where he is a visiting scholar.

Before he retired from the CIA, Kim established the agency's Korea Mission Center, in April 2017, and accompanied Pompeo - who was then CIA director - to Pyongyang last year.

In their Singapore summit, Kim and Trump pledged to work towards peace between their countries and for the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

But little progress has been made since then and they are set to meet again in Hanoi on Wednesday and Thursday. They are expected to focus on what steps North Korea might take towards denuclearisation, in exchange for what US concession.

The former CIA officer said the North Korean leader expressed a strong desire to improve ties with the United States as a way to build confidence between them, which he said was needed to end the nuclear weapons programme.

The North Korean leader left Pyongyang by train for his visit to Vietnam on Saturday afternoon, Russia's TASS news agency reported on Saturday citing a North Korean diplomatic source.

North Korea's state media has yet to confirm either Kim's trip to Vietnam or his summit with Trump.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un told the US secretary of state he did not want his children to live with the burden of nuclear weapons, a former CIA officer involved in high-level diplomacy over the North's weapons was quoted as saying on Saturday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un told the US secretary of state he did not want his children to live with the burden of nuclear weapons, a former CIA officer involved in high-level diplomacy over the North's weapons was quoted as saying on Saturday. Kim made the rare personal comments to Mike Pompeo during a visit to the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, in April last year to lay the groundwork for the historic first summit between the North's leader and US President Donald Trump in June in Singapore, former CIA official Andrew Kim said, South Korea's Yonhap news agency and the Wall Street Journal reported. “'I’m a father and a husband. And I have children'," Andrew Kim quoted the North Korean leader as telling Pompeo when asked whether he was willing to end his nuclear programme. "'And I don’t want my children to carry the nuclear weapon on their back their whole life.’ That was his answer," Andrew Kim told a lecture on Friday at Stanford University’s Asia Pacific Research Center, where he is a visiting scholar. Before he retired from the CIA, Kim established the agency's Korea Mission Center, in April 2017, and accompanied Pompeo - who was then CIA director - to Pyongyang last year. In their Singapore summit, Kim and Trump pledged to work towards peace between their countries and for the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. But little progress has been made since then and they are set to meet again in Hanoi on Wednesday and Thursday. They are expected to focus on what steps North Korea might take towards denuclearisation, in exchange for what US concession. The former CIA officer said the North Korean leader expressed a strong desire to improve ties with the United States as a way to build confidence between them, which he said was needed to end the nuclear weapons programme. The North Korean leader left Pyongyang by train for his visit to Vietnam on Saturday afternoon, Russia's TASS news agency reported on Saturday citing a North Korean diplomatic source. North Korea's state media has yet to confirm either Kim's trip to Vietnam or his summit with Trump.

I don't want my children to bear burden of nuclear arms, says North Korea's Kim Jong-un

Khashoggi Murder: CIA says that Arab Crown Prince ordered the killing

CIA Director Gina Haspel will give a closed briefing to leaders of several US&nbsp;Senate committees on Tuesday on the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, according to two sources familiar with the planned meeting.

Some lawmakers were angry Haspel did not participate in a Senate briefing by Trump administration officials last week on Khashoggi's death at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

The CIA has assessed that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-crown-prince-was-in-constant-touch-with-khashoggi-kill-team-wsj-181054">Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the killing of Khashoggi</a>, a critic of the Saudi government.

The Wall Street Journal first reported that Haspel would conduct a briefing.

At last week's briefing, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said there was no hard evidence the crown prince was behind the killing and urged senators not to downgrade ties with Saudi Arabia over the incident.

Haspel will brief the Republican and Democratic leaders of the Senate Foreign Relations, Armed Services and Appropriations committees, the source said, adding that the Senate Intelligence Committee already had been briefed by the CIA chief.

A Senate source said Senate leaders would also participate in the briefing, which is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. ET. (16:30 GMT)

The CIA had no immediate comment.

CIA Director Gina Haspel will give a closed briefing to leaders of several US Senate committees on Tuesday on the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, according to two sources familiar with the planned meeting.

CIA Director Gina Haspel will give a closed briefing to leaders of several US Senate committees on Tuesday on the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, according to two sources familiar with the planned meeting. Some lawmakers were angry Haspel did not participate in a Senate briefing by Trump administration officials last week on Khashoggi's death at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. The CIA has assessed that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the killing of Khashoggi, a critic of the Saudi government. The Wall Street Journal first reported that Haspel would conduct a briefing. At last week's briefing, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said there was no hard evidence the crown prince was behind the killing and urged senators not to downgrade ties with Saudi Arabia over the incident. Haspel will brief the Republican and Democratic leaders of the Senate Foreign Relations, Armed Services and Appropriations committees, the source said, adding that the Senate Intelligence Committee already had been briefed by the CIA chief. A Senate source said Senate leaders would also participate in the briefing, which is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. ET. (16:30 GMT) The CIA had no immediate comment.

CIA chief Gina Haspel to brief US Senate leaders on Jamal Khashoggi's death

The family of an Afghan man detained and allegedly tortured to death by the Central Intelligence Agency in the wake of the 9/11 attacks sued Friday to find out what happened to his body.

The lawsuit says that Gul Rahman and his family were living in a refugee camp in Peshawar when he was kidnapped by the US spy agency on suspicion of being a jihadist militant on November 5, 2002 and transferred to a CIA prison for interrogation.

"Over the next two weeks, CIA personnel subjected Mr. Rahman to extensive and systematic torture and abuse," the lawsuit said, until he died of hypothermia on November 20, the lawsuit said.

His death was not reported until 2010 and not officially confirmed until 2014.

"To date, the CIA has not officially informed Mr Rahman's family of his death, nor returned his body to his family," the lawsuit said.

The suit, brought in the federal district court in Washington, demands the release of records regarding his death and his body under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

It came after the agency failed to respond to formal requests under FOIA for the information.

Rahman's family had already shared part of a settlement in a case filed together with two men who were also tortured in CIA prisons in Afghanistan against two CIA contract psychiatrists who advised on interrogations and torture techniques.

But the family was never told what happened to his body.

"I have faith that people in America will know the right thing for their government to do is to tell me and my family what happened to my father's body," Hajira Hematyara, Rahman’s daughter, said in a statement.

"Only then will we be able to do right by my father and give him a proper funeral."

The American Civil Liberties Union, which helped Rahman's family file the lawsuit, lodged a second complaint against the CIA with the court, saying agency director &nbsp;Gina Haspel was preventing the release of information to protect the agency's reputation and because it "related to her personal role in prisoner torture and abuse."

"This country still needs to continue to reckon with the consequences of torture," said ACLU staff attorney Dror Ladin.

The family of an Afghan man detained and allegedly tortured to death by the Central Intelligence Agency in the wake of the 9/11 attacks sued Friday to find out what happened to his body.

The family of an Afghan man detained and allegedly tortured to death by the Central Intelligence Agency in the wake of the 9/11 attacks sued Friday to find out what happened to his body. The lawsuit says that Gul Rahman and his family were living in a refugee camp in Peshawar when he was kidnapped by the US spy agency on suspicion of being a jihadist militant on November 5, 2002 and transferred to a CIA prison for interrogation. "Over the next two weeks, CIA personnel subjected Mr. Rahman to extensive and systematic torture and abuse," the lawsuit said, until he died of hypothermia on November 20, the lawsuit said. His death was not reported until 2010 and not officially confirmed until 2014. "To date, the CIA has not officially informed Mr Rahman's family of his death, nor returned his body to his family," the lawsuit said. The suit, brought in the federal district court in Washington, demands the release of records regarding his death and his body under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). It came after the agency failed to respond to formal requests under FOIA for the information. Rahman's family had already shared part of a settlement in a case filed together with two men who were also tortured in CIA prisons in Afghanistan against two CIA contract psychiatrists who advised on interrogations and torture techniques. But the family was never told what happened to his body. "I have faith that people in America will know the right thing for their government to do is to tell me and my family what happened to my father's body," Hajira Hematyara, Rahman’s daughter, said in a statement. "Only then will we be able to do right by my father and give him a proper funeral." The American Civil Liberties Union, which helped Rahman's family file the lawsuit, lodged a second complaint against the CIA with the court, saying agency director Gina Haspel was preventing the release of information to protect the agency's reputation and because it "related to her personal role in prisoner torture and abuse." "This country still needs to continue to reckon with the consequences of torture," said ACLU staff attorney Dror Ladin.

Afghan family sues CIA to find body of post-9/11 detainee

A senior Saudi prince cast doubt upon the reported CIA finding that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul last month, saying the agency could not be counted on to reach a credible conclusion.

"The CIA is not necessarily the highest standard of veracity or accuracy in assessing situations. The examples of that are multitude," Prince Turki al-Faisal, a senior member of the royal family, told journalists in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

The prince, a former Saudi intelligence chief who has also served as ambassador to the United States, said the agency`s conclusion that Iraq possessed chemical weapons before the US invasion in 2003 showed it could be unreliable.

"That was the most glaring of inaccurate and wrong assessments, which led to a full-scale war with thousands being killed," he said, speaking at an event hosted by the New York-based Beirut Institute.

"I don`t see why the CIA is not on trial in the United States. This is my answer to their assessment of who is guilty and who is not and who did what in the consulate in Istanbul."

The CIA has concluded that Prince Mohammed ordered the operation to kill Khashoggi, as first reported by the Washington Post, and briefed other parts of the US government on its findings, sources told Reuters last week.

US President Donald Trump has disputed that the agency reached a conclusion on the murder, saying instead "they have feelings certain ways."

A Turkish newspaper also reported on Thursday that CIA director Gina Haspel signaled to Turkish officials that the agency had a recording of a call in which the crown prince gave instructions to "silence" the journalist.

Khashoggi was killed at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 in an operation that Turkish authorities have said was ordered by the highest level of Saudi leadership, prompting the kingdom`s biggest political crisis in a generation.

After offering numerous contradictory explanations, Riyadh said Khashoggi was killed and his body dismembered after negotiations to persuade him to return to Saudi Arabia failed.

The kingdom`s public prosecutor is seeking the death penalty for five suspects charged in the murder, but has said Prince Mohammed had no prior knowledge of the operation.

A senior Saudi prince cast doubt upon the reported CIA finding that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul last month, saying the agency could not be counted on to reach a credible conclusion.

A senior Saudi prince cast doubt upon the reported CIA finding that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul last month, saying the agency could not be counted on to reach a credible conclusion. "The CIA is not necessarily the highest standard of veracity or accuracy in assessing situations. The examples of that are multitude," Prince Turki al-Faisal, a senior member of the royal family, told journalists in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. The prince, a former Saudi intelligence chief who has also served as ambassador to the United States, said the agency`s conclusion that Iraq possessed chemical weapons before the US invasion in 2003 showed it could be unreliable. "That was the most glaring of inaccurate and wrong assessments, which led to a full-scale war with thousands being killed," he said, speaking at an event hosted by the New York-based Beirut Institute. "I don`t see why the CIA is not on trial in the United States. This is my answer to their assessment of who is guilty and who is not and who did what in the consulate in Istanbul." The CIA has concluded that Prince Mohammed ordered the operation to kill Khashoggi, as first reported by the Washington Post, and briefed other parts of the US government on its findings, sources told Reuters last week. US President Donald Trump has disputed that the agency reached a conclusion on the murder, saying instead "they have feelings certain ways." A Turkish newspaper also reported on Thursday that CIA director Gina Haspel signaled to Turkish officials that the agency had a recording of a call in which the crown prince gave instructions to "silence" the journalist. Khashoggi was killed at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 in an operation that Turkish authorities have said was ordered by the highest level of Saudi leadership, prompting the kingdom`s biggest political crisis in a generation. After offering numerous contradictory explanations, Riyadh said Khashoggi was killed and his body dismembered after negotiations to persuade him to return to Saudi Arabia failed. The kingdom`s public prosecutor is seeking the death penalty for five suspects charged in the murder, but has said Prince Mohammed had no prior knowledge of the operation.

Senior Saudi prince says CIA cannot be trusted on Khashoggi conclusion

WION Dispatch: Turkish Media outlet says CIA has Crown Prince's recording

Breaking News: Crown Prince's recorded order to kill Khashogggi in possession of CIA

WION Gravitas: Trump downplays CIA report on Khashoggi's murder; stands by Crown Prince

A day after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/cia-has-concluded-saudi-crown-prince-ordered-journalists-killing-report-177782">Central Investigation Agency reportedly concluded that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman ordered the assassination of journalist</a> Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-discuss-jamal-khashoggi-murder-with-cia-secretary-of-state-mike-pompeo-177879">President Donald Trump</a> has said that the United States would determine the killer Saudi critic "within the next two days."

Speaking to reporters in Malibu, California after surveying damage from wildfires, Trump said a "full report" on "who did it" would be completed by Monday or Tuesday, AFP reported.

On Friday, the Washington Post reported that the CIA has concluded that Saudi Crown Prince Salman ordered the assassination of Khashoggi in the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul, contradicting&nbsp;the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/khashoggi-killing-saudi-arabia-says-crown-prince-salman-was-not-involved-5-others-face-death-penalty-for-the-murder-177533">conclusions of a Saudi prosecutor a day earlier</a>, which exonerated the prince of involvement in the brutal murder.

However, on Saturday, the state department spokesperson Heather Nauert said that&nbsp;US government has not reached a final conclusion over the killing and reports indicating that&nbsp;are "inaccurate".

"There remain numerous unanswered questions with respect to the murder of Mr. Khashoggi. The State Department will continue to seek all relevant facts," she said.&nbsp;

She further said that in the meantime, the US will continue to consult and Congress and work with other nations to hold accountable those who were involved in the killing, adding that Washington had already taken "decisive measures" against individuals, including visa and sanctions actions.&nbsp;

"We will continue to explore additional measures to hold those accountable who planned, led and were connected to the murder. And, we will do that while maintaining the important strategic relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia."

Meanwhile, Vice President&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-will-hold-khashoggi-murderers-to-account-mike-pence-177828">Mike Pence also vowed that the US would hold the murderers to account</a>&nbsp;as he decribed the Khashoggi's killing as an atrocity and&nbsp;&nbsp;"affront to a free and independent press" but declined to comment on classified information.

"We are going to follow the facts," said Pence. However, he also added the US wanted to find a way of preserving a "strong and historic partnership" with Saudi Arabia.

Khashoggi, a Post columnist, had gone to the consulate to obtain documents necessary to marry his Turkish fiancee.

Saudi Arabia -- which quickly dismissed the reported CIA findings -- has repeatedly changed its official narrative of the October 2 murder, first denying any knowledge of Khashoggi's whereabouts and later saying he was killed when an argument degenerated into a fistfight.

In the latest version presented by the Saudi prosecutor on Thursday, a 15-member squad was formed to bring Khashoggi back from Istanbul "by means of persuasion" -- but instead ended up killing the journalist and dismembering his body in a "rogue" operation.

(With inputs from news agencies)

A day after Central Investigation Agency reportedly concluded that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman ordered the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, President Donald Trump has said that the United States would determine the killer Saudi critic "within the next two days.

A day after Central Investigation Agency reportedly concluded that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman ordered the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, President Donald Trump has said that the United States would determine the killer Saudi critic "within the next two days." Speaking to reporters in Malibu, California after surveying damage from wildfires, Trump said a "full report" on "who did it" would be completed by Monday or Tuesday, AFP reported. On Friday, the Washington Post reported that the CIA has concluded that Saudi Crown Prince Salman ordered the assassination of Khashoggi in the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul, contradicting the conclusions of a Saudi prosecutor a day earlier, which exonerated the prince of involvement in the brutal murder. However, on Saturday, the state department spokesperson Heather Nauert said that US government has not reached a final conclusion over the killing and reports indicating that are "inaccurate". "There remain numerous unanswered questions with respect to the murder of Mr. Khashoggi. The State Department will continue to seek all relevant facts," she said. She further said that in the meantime, the US will continue to consult and Congress and work with other nations to hold accountable those who were involved in the killing, adding that Washington had already taken "decisive measures" against individuals, including visa and sanctions actions. "We will continue to explore additional measures to hold those accountable who planned, led and were connected to the murder. And, we will do that while maintaining the important strategic relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia." Meanwhile, Vice President Mike Pence also vowed that the US would hold the murderers to account as he decribed the Khashoggi's killing as an atrocity and "affront to a free and independent press" but declined to comment on classified information. "We are going to follow the facts," said Pence. However, he also added the US wanted to find a way of preserving a "strong and historic partnership" with Saudi Arabia. Khashoggi, a Post columnist, had gone to the consulate to obtain documents necessary to marry his Turkish fiancee. Saudi Arabia -- which quickly dismissed the reported CIA findings -- has repeatedly changed its official narrative of the October 2 murder, first denying any knowledge of Khashoggi's whereabouts and later saying he was killed when an argument degenerated into a fistfight. In the latest version presented by the Saudi prosecutor on Thursday, a 15-member squad was formed to bring Khashoggi back from Istanbul "by means of persuasion" -- but instead ended up killing the journalist and dismembering his body in a "rogue" operation. (With inputs from news agencies)

Donald Trump says US to report who killed Jamal Khashoggi in 'next two days'

The CIA has concluded that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, the Washington Post reported on Friday, a finding that contradicts Saudi government assertions that he was not involved.

The Post said US&nbsp;officials have expressed high confidence in the CIA assessment, which is the most definitive to date linking Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler to the killing and complicates President Donald Trump's efforts to preserve US&nbsp;ties with one of the closest American allies in the region.

Reuters was not immediately able to verify the accuracy of the report, but a source familiar with US&nbsp;intelligence assessments told Reuters US&nbsp;government experts assess with confidence that the crown prince ordered the operation that led to Khashoggi's death.

The White House declined to comment on the Post report, saying it was an intelligence matter. The State Department also declined to comment.

Khashoggi, a contributing columnist for the Washington Post, was killed at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October&nbsp;2 when he went there to pick up documents he needed for his planned marriage to a Turkish woman.

Khashoggi, a critic of the Saudi government, had resisted pressure from Riyadh for him to return home. Saudi officials have said a team of 15 Saudi nationals were sent to confront Khashoggi at the consulate and that he was accidentally killed in a chokehold by men who were trying to force him to return to the kingdom.

Turkish officials have said the killing was intentional and have been pressuring Saudi Arabia to extradite those responsible to stand trial. An adviser to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday accused Saudi Arabia of trying to cover up the murder.

His remarks came after Saudi Arabia's public prosecutor said he was seeking the death penalty for five suspects charged in Khashoggi's killing. The Saudi prosecutor, Shalaan al-Shalaan, told reporters the Saudi crown prince knew nothing of the operation, in which Khashoggi's body was dismembered and removed from the consulate.

The Post, citing people familiar with the matter, said the CIA reached its conclusions after examining multiple sources of intelligence, including a phone call that the prince's brother, Khalid bin Salman, the Saudi ambassador to the United States, had with Khashoggi.

Khalid told Khashoggi he should go to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul to retrieve the documents and gave him assurances that it would be safe to do so, the Post said.

The newspaper, citing people familiar with the call, said it was not clear if Khalid knew Khashoggi would be killed but that he made the call at his brother's direction.

Ambassador Khalid bin Salman said in a Twitter posted on Friday the last contact he had with Khashoggi was via text on October&nbsp;26, 2017, nearly a year before the journalist's death.

"I never talked to him by phone and certainly never suggested he go to Turkey for any reason. I ask the US government to release any information regarding this claim," he said in his Twitter message.

The CIA has concluded that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, the Washington Post reported on Friday, a finding that contradicts Saudi government assertions that he was not involved.

The CIA has concluded that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, the Washington Post reported on Friday, a finding that contradicts Saudi government assertions that he was not involved. The Post said US officials have expressed high confidence in the CIA assessment, which is the most definitive to date linking Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler to the killing and complicates President Donald Trump's efforts to preserve US ties with one of the closest American allies in the region. Reuters was not immediately able to verify the accuracy of the report, but a source familiar with US intelligence assessments told Reuters US government experts assess with confidence that the crown prince ordered the operation that led to Khashoggi's death. The White House declined to comment on the Post report, saying it was an intelligence matter. The State Department also declined to comment. Khashoggi, a contributing columnist for the Washington Post, was killed at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 when he went there to pick up documents he needed for his planned marriage to a Turkish woman. Khashoggi, a critic of the Saudi government, had resisted pressure from Riyadh for him to return home. Saudi officials have said a team of 15 Saudi nationals were sent to confront Khashoggi at the consulate and that he was accidentally killed in a chokehold by men who were trying to force him to return to the kingdom. Turkish officials have said the killing was intentional and have been pressuring Saudi Arabia to extradite those responsible to stand trial. An adviser to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday accused Saudi Arabia of trying to cover up the murder. His remarks came after Saudi Arabia's public prosecutor said he was seeking the death penalty for five suspects charged in Khashoggi's killing. The Saudi prosecutor, Shalaan al-Shalaan, told reporters the Saudi crown prince knew nothing of the operation, in which Khashoggi's body was dismembered and removed from the consulate. The Post, citing people familiar with the matter, said the CIA reached its conclusions after examining multiple sources of intelligence, including a phone call that the prince's brother, Khalid bin Salman, the Saudi ambassador to the United States, had with Khashoggi. Khalid told Khashoggi he should go to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul to retrieve the documents and gave him assurances that it would be safe to do so, the Post said. The newspaper, citing people familiar with the call, said it was not clear if Khalid knew Khashoggi would be killed but that he made the call at his brother's direction. Ambassador Khalid bin Salman said in a Twitter posted on Friday the last contact he had with Khashoggi was via text on October 26, 2017, nearly a year before the journalist's death. "I never talked to him by phone and certainly never suggested he go to Turkey for any reason. I ask the US government to release any information regarding this claim," he said in his Twitter message.

CIA has concluded Saudi crown prince ordered journalist's killing: Report

The head of the CIA on Thursday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/murder-of-khashoggi-premeditated-saudi-prosecutor-173420">briefed US President Donald Trump on the latest </a>developments in the investigation of the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi after a fact-finding mission to Turkey, officials said.

CIA Director Gina Haspel delivered her report to Trump at the White House with the secretary of state Mike Pompeo also present, State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said.

Haspel shared her "findings and discussions from her trip to Turkey," said Palladino, who declined to discuss the substance of her presentation.

The CIA chief held talks Tuesday in Turkey as global outrage mounted over the killing of Saudi palace critic Khashoggi inside the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul, where he went to complete paperwork for his upcoming marriage.

Turkish media said that intelligence officers showed Haspel video images and audio tapes of Khashoggi's killing gathered from the consulate.

The United States has a long-standing alliance with Saudi Arabia but on Tuesday slapped visa restrictions on 21 Saudis suspected of involvement in the killing.

Palladino said that the United States was still waiting for a more detailed probe by the Saudis.

"We want this as soon as possible. The longer the investigation takes, the more concerned we become about its impact and its efficacy. And the longer it takes, the longer there are questions about this tragedy that remain unanswered," he said.

Saudi Arabia said Thursday for the first time that the murder appeared to be premeditated, but based its information on Turkey.

The kingdom initially said that Khashoggi walked out freely from its consulate and then said he died in a fistfight, abrupt changes in a narrative about what Trump has called "one of the worst cover-ups" in history.

The head of the CIA on Thursday briefed US President Donald Trump on the latest developments in the investigation of the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi after a fact-finding mission to Turkey, officials said.

The head of the CIA on Thursday briefed US President Donald Trump on the latest developments in the investigation of the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi after a fact-finding mission to Turkey, officials said. CIA Director Gina Haspel delivered her report to Trump at the White House with the secretary of state Mike Pompeo also present, State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said. Haspel shared her "findings and discussions from her trip to Turkey," said Palladino, who declined to discuss the substance of her presentation. The CIA chief held talks Tuesday in Turkey as global outrage mounted over the killing of Saudi palace critic Khashoggi inside the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul, where he went to complete paperwork for his upcoming marriage. Turkish media said that intelligence officers showed Haspel video images and audio tapes of Khashoggi's killing gathered from the consulate. The United States has a long-standing alliance with Saudi Arabia but on Tuesday slapped visa restrictions on 21 Saudis suspected of involvement in the killing. Palladino said that the United States was still waiting for a more detailed probe by the Saudis. "We want this as soon as possible. The longer the investigation takes, the more concerned we become about its impact and its efficacy. And the longer it takes, the longer there are questions about this tragedy that remain unanswered," he said. Saudi Arabia said Thursday for the first time that the murder appeared to be premeditated, but based its information on Turkey. The kingdom initially said that Khashoggi walked out freely from its consulate and then said he died in a fistfight, abrupt changes in a narrative about what Trump has called "one of the worst cover-ups" in history.

After visiting Turkey, CIA chief Gina Haspel submits report on Khashoggi to Trump

Turkish intelligence has shared "all the evidence" over the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi with the CIA chief during a visit, pro-government media reported on Wednesday.

CIA Director Gina Haspel visited the Turkish capital Ankara on Tuesday for talks with officials about the killing of Washington Post contributor Khashoggi inside Saudi Arabia's Istanbul consulate.&nbsp;

Video images and audio tapes as well as evidence gathered from the consulate and the consul's residence were shared with Haspel during the briefing at the Turkish Intelligence Organisation (MIT), Sabah newspaper reported.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stopped short of pointing the blame at the Saudi leadership for the death of the Saudi insider-turned-critic.

But he said in a keynote speech on Tuesday that the murder was meticulously planned, demanding that all those involved brought to justice.&nbsp;

Khashoggi, 59, vanished on October 2 after entering the Saudi mission to obtain documents for his wedding.

'Savage murder' 
Speaking at a ceremony in Ankara, Erdogan on Wednesday vowed that Turkey would not allow the culprits to get away with their "savage murder".

"We are determined not to allow any cover up of this murder and for all those responsible from those who gave the command to those who executed it -- not to escape justice," he said.

"We are not implicating anyone," he added, saying that Ankara would be transparent as it gathers more evidence that shed light on the "dark sides" of the murder.

"It is not over yet," he said. "We are unravelling, dismantling (the case) and the world is closely following."

The whereabouts of Khashoggi's corpse still remain unknown.

Erdogan said on Tuesday that a 15-person team came from Riyadh to kill Khashoggi, including by carrying out reconnaissance outside Istanbul and deactivating security cameras at the consulate.

Turkish police searched the kingdom's Istanbul consulate, and the consul general's residence as well as hunting for evidence in an Istanbul forest.

On Tuesday, the police searched an abandoned car belonging to the Saudi consulate in an underground car park in the Sultangazi district of Istanbul.

The Saudi leadership has denied involvement in the murder and instead blamed the chain of command.&nbsp;

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman "strongly said that he had nothing to do with this, this was at a lower level," US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday, adding he had spoken on Monday to the prince and his father King Salman.

Turkish pro-government media has claimed that Ankara has audio tapes of the killing.&nbsp;

Last week, the Turkish government denied giving "any kind of audio tape" from the investigation to any US official.&nbsp;

Turkish intelligence has shared "all the evidence" over the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi with the CIA chief during a visit, pro-government media reported on Wednesday.

Turkish intelligence has shared "all the evidence" over the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi with the CIA chief during a visit, pro-government media reported on Wednesday. CIA Director Gina Haspel visited the Turkish capital Ankara on Tuesday for talks with officials about the killing of Washington Post contributor Khashoggi inside Saudi Arabia's Istanbul consulate. Video images and audio tapes as well as evidence gathered from the consulate and the consul's residence were shared with Haspel during the briefing at the Turkish Intelligence Organisation (MIT), Sabah newspaper reported. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stopped short of pointing the blame at the Saudi leadership for the death of the Saudi insider-turned-critic. But he said in a keynote speech on Tuesday that the murder was meticulously planned, demanding that all those involved brought to justice. Khashoggi, 59, vanished on October 2 after entering the Saudi mission to obtain documents for his wedding. 'Savage murder' Speaking at a ceremony in Ankara, Erdogan on Wednesday vowed that Turkey would not allow the culprits to get away with their "savage murder". "We are determined not to allow any cover up of this murder and for all those responsible from those who gave the command to those who executed it -- not to escape justice," he said. "We are not implicating anyone," he added, saying that Ankara would be transparent as it gathers more evidence that shed light on the "dark sides" of the murder. "It is not over yet," he said. "We are unravelling, dismantling (the case) and the world is closely following." The whereabouts of Khashoggi's corpse still remain unknown. Erdogan said on Tuesday that a 15-person team came from Riyadh to kill Khashoggi, including by carrying out reconnaissance outside Istanbul and deactivating security cameras at the consulate. Turkish police searched the kingdom's Istanbul consulate, and the consul general's residence as well as hunting for evidence in an Istanbul forest. On Tuesday, the police searched an abandoned car belonging to the Saudi consulate in an underground car park in the Sultangazi district of Istanbul. The Saudi leadership has denied involvement in the murder and instead blamed the chain of command. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman "strongly said that he had nothing to do with this, this was at a lower level," US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday, adding he had spoken on Monday to the prince and his father King Salman. Turkish pro-government media has claimed that Ankara has audio tapes of the killing. Last week, the Turkish government denied giving "any kind of audio tape" from the investigation to any US official.

Turkey shares 'evidence' with CIA chief over Khashoggi murder

The United States is yet to see reports on Pakistan's readiness to discuss Dr Shakil Afridi's release from jail. Afridi, who helped US's Central Investigation Agency (CIA) in tracking down Osama bin Laden, is considered a CIA hero.

However, back home, Dr Afridi has been branded as a traitor and was sent behind bars by the Pakistani regime. Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had recently told Fox News that Islamabad is open to talks about his release from jail.

Reacting to the statement, State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said, "Yeah, I think they've been saying that for quite some time that there could be some movement on that. We have yet to see that."

Nauert also spoke about Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's meeting with Qureshi on Tuesday, "I can confirm with you that the Secretary did meet with his counterpart at the State Department today. I'm not sure exactly when that was. It was sometime this afternoon. I don't have a readout of that meeting just yet. If I have one to bring for you, provide to you, I certainly will. But we had a good trip when the Secretary (Mike Pompeo) went to Pakistan and had good, fruitful meetings with the Pakistani Government."

Commenting on Dr Afridi's fate, Qureshi had told Fox News, "Openings are always there. He is viewed in a particular light in Pakistan; he is viewed as a traitor in Pakistan. But he is viewed as a friend in the US. So we have to bridge this gap."

He asserted that courts will decide Afridi's fate and not politics."We have a legal process. Afridi went through that legal process, he was given a fair chance to plead his case.

He was sentenced, he was convicted and is serving a sentence. We expect you to respect our legal process, as we respect yours," Qureshi added.

Afridi, who has been awarded a 33-year sentence in 2012, is believed to have committed treason by working with CIA, after running a fake vaccine programme, which helped the agency to confirm Osama's presence in Abbottabad.

However, he was convicted on the pretext of having ties with a terrorist group called Lashkar e-Islam. His lawyers have denied the claims of his ties with the terrorist outfit by calling them bogus.

Even before being elected as the US President last year, Donald Trump had promised to facilitate Dr Afridi`s release.

The United States is yet to see reports on Pakistan's readiness to discuss Dr Shakil Afridi's release from jail. Afridi, who helped US's Central Investigation Agency (CIA) in tracking down Osama bin Laden, is considered a CIA hero.

The United States is yet to see reports on Pakistan's readiness to discuss Dr Shakil Afridi's release from jail. Afridi, who helped US's Central Investigation Agency (CIA) in tracking down Osama bin Laden, is considered a CIA hero. However, back home, Dr Afridi has been branded as a traitor and was sent behind bars by the Pakistani regime. Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had recently told Fox News that Islamabad is open to talks about his release from jail. Reacting to the statement, State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said, "Yeah, I think they've been saying that for quite some time that there could be some movement on that. We have yet to see that." Nauert also spoke about Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's meeting with Qureshi on Tuesday, "I can confirm with you that the Secretary did meet with his counterpart at the State Department today. I'm not sure exactly when that was. It was sometime this afternoon. I don't have a readout of that meeting just yet. If I have one to bring for you, provide to you, I certainly will. But we had a good trip when the Secretary (Mike Pompeo) went to Pakistan and had good, fruitful meetings with the Pakistani Government." Commenting on Dr Afridi's fate, Qureshi had told Fox News, "Openings are always there. He is viewed in a particular light in Pakistan; he is viewed as a traitor in Pakistan. But he is viewed as a friend in the US. So we have to bridge this gap." He asserted that courts will decide Afridi's fate and not politics."We have a legal process. Afridi went through that legal process, he was given a fair chance to plead his case. He was sentenced, he was convicted and is serving a sentence. We expect you to respect our legal process, as we respect yours," Qureshi added. Afridi, who has been awarded a 33-year sentence in 2012, is believed to have committed treason by working with CIA, after running a fake vaccine programme, which helped the agency to confirm Osama's presence in Abbottabad. However, he was convicted on the pretext of having ties with a terrorist group called Lashkar e-Islam. His lawyers have denied the claims of his ties with the terrorist outfit by calling them bogus. Even before being elected as the US President last year, Donald Trump had promised to facilitate Dr Afridi`s release.

US yet to see reports on Pakistan's willingness to release Dr Afridi

The US&nbspSenate confirmed Gina Haspel on Thursday to be director of the CIA, ending a bruising confirmation fight centred on her ties to the spy agency's past use of waterboarding and other brutal interrogation techniques.

Haspel, who will be the first woman to lead the CIA, is a 33-year veteran at the agency currently serving as its acting director. The tally was 54-45 in favour of her nomination in the 100-member chamber, where a simple majority was required for confirmation.

Six Democrats joined President Donald Trump's fellow Republicans in voting for Haspel, and two Republicans voted no.

Haspel was approved despite stiff opposition over her links to the CIA's use of harsh interrogation methods, including waterboarding, a type of simulated drowning widely considered torture, in the years after the September 11 attacks.

An undercover officer for most of her CIA career, Haspel in 2002 served as CIA station chief in Thailand, where the agency conducted interrogations at a secret prison using methods including waterboarding. Three years later, she drafted a cable ordering the destruction of videotapes of those interrogations.

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Congratulations to our new CIA Director, Gina Haspel! <a href="https://t.co/n1xj9LSV9D">pic.twitter.com/n1xj9LSV9D</a>
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Republican Senator John McCain, who has been away from Washington all year as he battles brain cancer, urged the Senate not to vote for Haspel. He did not vote on Thursday.

Tortured himself while a prisoner of war in Vietnam, McCain said approving Haspel would send the wrong message, and the country should only use methods to keep itself safe "as right and just as the values we aspire to live up to and promote in the world."

Haspel also had strong support from Trump's administration, many current and former intelligence officials and a wide range of lawmakers, including Democrats.

Senator Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, which oversaw the nomination, supported Haspel.

"I believe she is someone who can and will stand up to the president, who will speak truth to power if this president orders her to do something illegal or immoral, like a return to torture," he said in a Senate speech before the vote.

Rights groups quickly condemned the vote. Laura Pitter of Human Rights Watch called it "the predictable and perverse byproduct of the US&nbspfailure to grapple with past abuses."

Trump nominated Haspel, then deputy director, in March to succeed Mike Pompeo as CIA director. Haspel became acting director after Pompeo was confirmed as secretary of state.

Six Democrats joined President Donald Trump's fellow Republicans in voting for Haspel, two Republicans voted no

The US&nbspSenate confirmed Gina Haspel on Thursday to be director of the CIA, ending a bruising confirmation fight centred on her ties to the spy agency's past use of waterboarding and other brutal interrogation techniques. Haspel, who will be the first woman to lead the CIA, is a 33-year veteran at the agency currently serving as its acting director. The tally was 54-45 in favour of her nomination in the 100-member chamber, where a simple majority was required for confirmation. Six Democrats joined President Donald Trump's fellow Republicans in voting for Haspel, and two Republicans voted no. Haspel was approved despite stiff opposition over her links to the CIA's use of harsh interrogation methods, including waterboarding, a type of simulated drowning widely considered torture, in the years after the September 11 attacks. An undercover officer for most of her CIA career, Haspel in 2002 served as CIA station chief in Thailand, where the agency conducted interrogations at a secret prison using methods including waterboarding. Three years later, she drafted a cable ordering the destruction of videotapes of those interrogations. Congratulations to our new CIA Director, Gina Haspel! pic.twitter.com/n1xj9LSV9D — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 17, 2018 × Republican Senator John McCain, who has been away from Washington all year as he battles brain cancer, urged the Senate not to vote for Haspel. He did not vote on Thursday. Tortured himself while a prisoner of war in Vietnam, McCain said approving Haspel would send the wrong message, and the country should only use methods to keep itself safe "as right and just as the values we aspire to live up to and promote in the world." Haspel also had strong support from Trump's administration, many current and former intelligence officials and a wide range of lawmakers, including Democrats. Senator Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, which oversaw the nomination, supported Haspel. "I believe she is someone who can and will stand up to the president, who will speak truth to power if this president orders her to do something illegal or immoral, like a return to torture," he said in a Senate speech before the vote. Rights groups quickly condemned the vote. Laura Pitter of Human Rights Watch called it "the predictable and perverse byproduct of the US&nbspfailure to grapple with past abuses." Trump nominated Haspel, then deputy director, in March to succeed Mike Pompeo as CIA director. Haspel became acting director after Pompeo was confirmed as secretary of state.

US Senate confirms Haspel as first woman CIA director, Trump congratulates

US Senate <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/cia-concerned-about-potential-contacts-between-pak-nuclear-scientists-and-extremists-haspel-135994">Intelligence Committee today cleared</a> the way for Gina Haspel to takeover the reins of the Central intelligence Agency(CIA).

The committee voted 10-5 in Haspel's favour ensuring her nomination which was backed by President Trump to go through despite her record of alleged involvement in the torture of al-Qaida operatives in early 2000.

"Gina Haspel is the most qualified person the president could choose to lead the CIA and the most prepared nominee in the 70-year history of the agency," Richard Burr committee chairman said.

In a written statement which was eventually cleared by the White House, Haspel had told the committee earlier that the premier spy agency wouldn't engage in any torture of detainees if she is made CIA chief.

"Having served in that tumultuous time, I can offer you my personal commitment, clearly and without reservation, that under my leadership CIA will not restart such a detention and interrogation program," she had told the Senate Intelligence Committee.

Haspel had allegedly played a role in "waterboarding" al Qaida terrorists in CIA prison in Thailand in 2002.

"She has acted morally, ethically, and legally, over a distinguished 30-year career and is the right person to lead the agency into an uncertain and challenging future."

During the hearing, Haspel had said her "moral compass" was strong and she wouldn't allow the CIA to undertake any activity that was "immoral".

"America is looked at all over the world as an example to everyone else in the world, and we have to uphold that. And CIA is included in that," she told the committee, adding,"I support the law. I would not support a change in the law."

During the hearing, Haspel had said her "moral compass" was strong and she wouldn't allow the CIA to undertake any activity that was "immoral".

US Senate Intelligence Committee today cleared the way for Gina Haspel to takeover the reins of the Central intelligence Agency(CIA). The committee voted 10-5 in Haspel's favour ensuring her nomination which was backed by President Trump to go through despite her record of alleged involvement in the torture of al-Qaida operatives in early 2000. "Gina Haspel is the most qualified person the president could choose to lead the CIA and the most prepared nominee in the 70-year history of the agency," Richard Burr committee chairman said. In a written statement which was eventually cleared by the White House, Haspel had told the committee earlier that the premier spy agency wouldn't engage in any torture of detainees if she is made CIA chief. "Having served in that tumultuous time, I can offer you my personal commitment, clearly and without reservation, that under my leadership CIA will not restart such a detention and interrogation program," she had told the Senate Intelligence Committee. Haspel had allegedly played a role in "waterboarding" al Qaida terrorists in CIA prison in Thailand in 2002. "She has acted morally, ethically, and legally, over a distinguished 30-year career and is the right person to lead the agency into an uncertain and challenging future." During the hearing, Haspel had said her "moral compass" was strong and she wouldn't allow the CIA to undertake any activity that was "immoral". "America is looked at all over the world as an example to everyone else in the world, and we have to uphold that. And CIA is included in that," she told the committee, adding,"I support the law. I would not support a change in the law."

Gina Haspel set to become first woman CIA chief after US committee votes in her favour

The United States on Sunday threatened to impose sanctions on European companies that do business with Iran, as the remaining participants in the Iran nuclear accord stiffened their resolve to keep that agreement operational.

White House National Security adviser John Bolton said US&nbspsanctions on European companies that maintain business dealings with Iran were "possible," but Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he remained hopeful Washington and its allies could strike a new nuclear deal with Tehran.

Bolton struck a more hawkish tone with his comments in an interview with CNN's "State of the Union" program than Pompeo did when he was interviewed on "Fox News Sunday."

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-withdrawal-from-iran-deal-wasnt-aimed-at-the-europeans-136612">Withdrawal from Iran deal 'wasn't aimed at the Europeans'</a>

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump on May 8 announced that the United States was withdrawing from a 2015 deal negotiated by the Obama administration.

So far, China, France, Russia, Britain, the European Union and Iran remain in the accord, which placed controls on Iran's nuclear program and led to a relaxation of U.S. economic sanctions against Iran and companies doing business there.

Also read:&nbsp<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-lift-sanctions-on-north-korea-if-it-meets-demands-says-pompeo-136599">US to lift sanctions on North Korea if it meets demands, says Pompeo</a>

Despite the US&nbspexit, Britain and Iran on Sunday expressed their commitment to ensuring that the accord is upheld, according to a statement released by British Prime Minister Theresa May's office.

And Germany said it will spend the next few months trying to persuade Washington to change its mind.

When asked whether the United States might impose sanctions on European companies that continue to do business with Iran, Bolton told CNN: "It's possible. It depends on the conduct of other governments."

Pompeo said he was "hopeful in the days and weeks ahead we can come up with a deal that really works, that really protects the world from Iranian bad behaviour, not just their nuclear program, but their missiles and their malign behavior as well."

'REGIME CHANGE'

The US&nbspwithdrawal from the Iran deal has upset Washington's European allies, cast uncertainty over global oil supplies and raised the risk of conflict in the Middle East.

Germany's minister for economic affairs, Peter Altmaier, said on Sunday that Berlin will try to "persuade the US&nbspgovernment to change its behaviour."

In an interview with ZDF public television, Altmaier noted the United States has set a 90-day deadline for foreign firms to comply with the return of sanctions and that this period can be used to convince Washington to change course.

Israel and Iran engaged in an extensive military exchange on the heels of Trump's decision to leave the deal. On Saturday, French President Emmanuel Macron told Trump in a telephone call that he was worried about stability in the Middle East, according to Macron's office.

As a private citizen, Bolton in the past has suggested that the United States push for a change in Iran's government. But in an interview aired on the ABC's "This Week" program, Bolton said, "That's not the policy of the administration. The policy of the administration is to make sure that Iran never gets close to deliverable nuclear weapons."

In the CNN interview, Bolton did not respond directly when asked whether Trump might seek "regime change" in Iran, or whether the U.S. military would be ordered to make a preemptive strike against any Iranian nuclear facility.

"I'm not the national security decision-maker," Bolton said, adding that Trump "makes the decision and the advice that I give him is between us."

When pressed by CNN on whether the Trump administration would sanction European firms that continue to do business with Iran, Bolton said, "I think the Europeans will see that it's in their interest ultimately to come along with us."

Bolton said Europe was still digesting Trump's May 8 move.

"I think at the moment there's some feeling in Europe - they're really surprised we got out of it, really surprised at the reimposition of strict sanctions. I think that will sink in we'll see what happens then," Bolton said.

The US threatened to impose sanctions on European companies that do business with Iran even as the remaining participants in the Iran nuclear accord stiffened their resolve to keep the agreement operational

The United States on Sunday threatened to impose sanctions on European companies that do business with Iran, as the remaining participants in the Iran nuclear accord stiffened their resolve to keep that agreement operational. White House National Security adviser John Bolton said US&nbspsanctions on European companies that maintain business dealings with Iran were "possible," but Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he remained hopeful Washington and its allies could strike a new nuclear deal with Tehran. Bolton struck a more hawkish tone with his comments in an interview with CNN's "State of the Union" program than Pompeo did when he was interviewed on "Fox News Sunday." Also read: Withdrawal from Iran deal 'wasn't aimed at the Europeans' US&nbspPresident Donald Trump on May 8 announced that the United States was withdrawing from a 2015 deal negotiated by the Obama administration. So far, China, France, Russia, Britain, the European Union and Iran remain in the accord, which placed controls on Iran's nuclear program and led to a relaxation of U.S. economic sanctions against Iran and companies doing business there. Also read: US to lift sanctions on North Korea if it meets demands, says Pompeo Despite the US&nbspexit, Britain and Iran on Sunday expressed their commitment to ensuring that the accord is upheld, according to a statement released by British Prime Minister Theresa May's office. And Germany said it will spend the next few months trying to persuade Washington to change its mind. When asked whether the United States might impose sanctions on European companies that continue to do business with Iran, Bolton told CNN: "It's possible. It depends on the conduct of other governments." Pompeo said he was "hopeful in the days and weeks ahead we can come up with a deal that really works, that really protects the world from Iranian bad behaviour, not just their nuclear program, but their missiles and their malign behavior as well." 'REGIME CHANGE' The US&nbspwithdrawal from the Iran deal has upset Washington's European allies, cast uncertainty over global oil supplies and raised the risk of conflict in the Middle East. Germany's minister for economic affairs, Peter Altmaier, said on Sunday that Berlin will try to "persuade the US&nbspgovernment to change its behaviour." In an interview with ZDF public television, Altmaier noted the United States has set a 90-day deadline for foreign firms to comply with the return of sanctions and that this period can be used to convince Washington to change course. Israel and Iran engaged in an extensive military exchange on the heels of Trump's decision to leave the deal. On Saturday, French President Emmanuel Macron told Trump in a telephone call that he was worried about stability in the Middle East, according to Macron's office. As a private citizen, Bolton in the past has suggested that the United States push for a change in Iran's government. But in an interview aired on the ABC's "This Week" program, Bolton said, "That's not the policy of the administration. The policy of the administration is to make sure that Iran never gets close to deliverable nuclear weapons." In the CNN interview, Bolton did not respond directly when asked whether Trump might seek "regime change" in Iran, or whether the U.S. military would be ordered to make a preemptive strike against any Iranian nuclear facility. "I'm not the national security decision-maker," Bolton said, adding that Trump "makes the decision and the advice that I give him is between us." When pressed by CNN on whether the Trump administration would sanction European firms that continue to do business with Iran, Bolton said, "I think the Europeans will see that it's in their interest ultimately to come along with us." Bolton said Europe was still digesting Trump's May 8 move. "I think at the moment there's some feeling in Europe - they're really surprised we got out of it, really surprised at the reimposition of strict sanctions. I think that will sink in we'll see what happens then," Bolton said.

US threatens sanctions on European companies doing business with Iran

The CIA continues to be very concerned about potential contacts between Pakistani nuclear scientists and extremist groups and is monitoring them, US President Donald Trump's nominee to head the agency has said.

Gina Haspel, if confirmed by the Senate, would be the first female director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).&nbsp

"There was very deep concern about potential contacts, and we continue to monitor this very closely, between extremists and Pakistani nuclear scientists," Haspel told the members of the Senate Select Intelligence Committee during her confirmation hearing yesterday.&nbsp

She was responding to a question from Senator John Cornyn.

Cornyn cited a book that reminded him that post-9/11, the then president George W Bush was concerned about reports that Osama bin Laden and al Qaida were meeting with the Pakistani officials connected with their nuclear programme to gain access to a nuclear device that they might then use for a follow-on attack against the cities like Washington DC.

"Without divulging classified information, can you confirm that there were concerns about follow-on attacks using nuclear devices, biological weapons, other weapons of mass destruction that might have killed more innocent Americans as happened on 9/11? Was that the environment in which you and the country were operating in at the time?" Cornyn asked Haspel.

There were very grave concerns on that front, Haspel answered.

"And indeed, al Qaida had those kinds of programmes, efforts to acquire crude, dirty bombs, efforts to develop -- they had a programme -- a biological weapons programme. I remember the operative who was in charge of that," Haspel said.&nbsp

'There was very deep concern about potential contacts, and we continue to monitor this very closely, between extremists and Pakistani nuclear scientists,' Haspel told members of the Senate Select Intelligence Committee during her confirmation hearing

The CIA continues to be very concerned about potential contacts between Pakistani nuclear scientists and extremist groups and is monitoring them, US President Donald Trump's nominee to head the agency has said. Gina Haspel, if confirmed by the Senate, would be the first female director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). "There was very deep concern about potential contacts, and we continue to monitor this very closely, between extremists and Pakistani nuclear scientists," Haspel told the members of the Senate Select Intelligence Committee during her confirmation hearing yesterday. She was responding to a question from Senator John Cornyn. Cornyn cited a book that reminded him that post-9/11, the then president George W Bush was concerned about reports that Osama bin Laden and al Qaida were meeting with the Pakistani officials connected with their nuclear programme to gain access to a nuclear device that they might then use for a follow-on attack against the cities like Washington DC. "Without divulging classified information, can you confirm that there were concerns about follow-on attacks using nuclear devices, biological weapons, other weapons of mass destruction that might have killed more innocent Americans as happened on 9/11? Was that the environment in which you and the country were operating in at the time?" Cornyn asked Haspel. There were very grave concerns on that front, Haspel answered. "And indeed, al Qaida had those kinds of programmes, efforts to acquire crude, dirty bombs, efforts to develop -- they had a programme -- a biological weapons programme. I remember the operative who was in charge of that," Haspel said.

CIA concerned about potential contacts between Pak nuclear scientists and extremists: Haspel

Gina Haspel, President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the CIA, will pledge Wednesday to prevent the restart of the 2002-2005 interrogation program that saw detainees tortured.

The three-decade veteran of the Central Intelligence Agency's covert operations is facing opposition over her role at a secret CIA prison in Thailand in 2002 where Al-Qaeda detainees were waterboarded.

"I understand that what many people around the country want to know about are my views on CIA's former detention and interrogation program," she will say, according to prepared testimony for her hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee.

"I have views on this issue, and I want to be clear.

"Having served in that tumultuous time, I can offer you my personal commitment, clearly and without reservation, that under my leadership, CIA will not restart such a detention and interrogation program."

Haspel, who if approved would become the first woman to lead the premier US spy agency, is facing tough questioning over her involvement in the torture of al Qaida detainees in her confirmation hearing before the powerful Senate panel.

Critics from rights groups, a significant number of retired general and admirals, and some from the intelligence community, have opposed the nomination over her ties to the secret detention and interrogation program that followed the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Under the program, major Al-Qaeda suspects Abu Zubaydah, Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri and Khalid Shaikh Mohammed all went underwent brutal treatment, including waterboarding.&nbsp

Former CIA officials say Haspel was present when Nashiri was tortured at the CIA's Bangkok "black site" in 2002.

According to her prepared testimony, released by the CIA, Haspel will commit herself to firm oversight by Congress, which in the early days of the torture program was not informed despite questions over its legality.

"Experience has taught us that CIA cannot be effective without the people's trust," the prepared remarks read.

"And we cannot hope to earn that trust without the accountability that comes with Congressional oversight. If we can't share aspects of our secret work with the public, we should do so with their elected representatives."

Critics from rights groups, a significant number of retired general and admirals, and some from the intelligence community, have opposed Haspel's nomination

Gina Haspel, President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the CIA, will pledge Wednesday to prevent the restart of the 2002-2005 interrogation program that saw detainees tortured. The three-decade veteran of the Central Intelligence Agency's covert operations is facing opposition over her role at a secret CIA prison in Thailand in 2002 where Al-Qaeda detainees were waterboarded. "I understand that what many people around the country want to know about are my views on CIA's former detention and interrogation program," she will say, according to prepared testimony for her hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee. "I have views on this issue, and I want to be clear. "Having served in that tumultuous time, I can offer you my personal commitment, clearly and without reservation, that under my leadership, CIA will not restart such a detention and interrogation program." Haspel, who if approved would become the first woman to lead the premier US spy agency, is facing tough questioning over her involvement in the torture of al Qaida detainees in her confirmation hearing before the powerful Senate panel. Critics from rights groups, a significant number of retired general and admirals, and some from the intelligence community, have opposed the nomination over her ties to the secret detention and interrogation program that followed the September 11, 2001 attacks. Under the program, major Al-Qaeda suspects Abu Zubaydah, Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri and Khalid Shaikh Mohammed all went underwent brutal treatment, including waterboarding. Former CIA officials say Haspel was present when Nashiri was tortured at the CIA's Bangkok "black site" in 2002. According to her prepared testimony, released by the CIA, Haspel will commit herself to firm oversight by Congress, which in the early days of the torture program was not informed despite questions over its legality. "Experience has taught us that CIA cannot be effective without the people's trust," the prepared remarks read. "And we cannot hope to earn that trust without the accountability that comes with Congressional oversight. If we can't share aspects of our secret work with the public, we should do so with their elected representatives."

CIA chief confirmation: Gina Haspel to pledge not to restart interrogation program

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