The Central Intelligence Agency has reduced its contributions to key intelligence assessments produced by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, including reports linked to the Iran conflict, according to people familiar with the matter. The move reflects growing tensions between the two agencies over intelligence sharing and authority, which have persisted for more than a year.
Disputes over authority and task force role
The rift centers on a task force created in April 2025 by Tulsi Gabbard. Sources say the CIA believes the Director’s Initiatives Group bypassed established intelligence-sharing and declassification rules. Meanwhile, ODNI officials argue that the CIA blocked the group’s access to crucial information. As a result, cooperation on national security analysis has weakened during a period of heightened global instability.
The CIA, led by John Ratcliffe, has reportedly pulled back from participating in assessments issued by the National Intelligence Council, a key analytical body. Notably, reports related to Iran, where US forces have remained engaged since February, are among those affected. Officials said both agencies now operate largely separate analytical tracks, reducing collaboration.
Political fallout and broader concerns
The breakdown comes at a sensitive time for the administration of Donald Trump, as the United States faces challenges involving Iran, China, and Russia. Critics warn that the dispute undermines post-9/11 reforms designed to unify the intelligence community. Former officials argue that limited cooperation increases the risk of intelligence failures.
Gabbard recently announced plans to step down on June 30, citing personal reasons, while Trump named Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence. Despite the conflict, ODNI maintains that agencies continue to provide policymakers with reliable intelligence. However, analysts say the situation highlights unresolved structural issues within the US intelligence system.
