The new head of Mossad met with the CIA director to discuss Iran

- Axios reporter Barak Ravid

Roman Gofman, the new head of the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad, traveled to Washington about two weeks ago to discuss the war with Iran and the country’s nuclear program, according to two informed sources.

Why it matters: Gofman is one of Benjamin Netanyahu’s closest advisers, the prime minister of Israel. This is his first trip to Washington since taking over as head of Mossad in June.

Latest developments: The Mossad chief’s trip took place just before tensions escalated in the Strait of Hormuz and fighting resumed.

One Israeli source said one of the goals of the trip was to coordinate with the White House regarding negotiations with Iran over a nuclear agreement.

Behind the scenes: Sources said Gofman met with John Ratcliffe, the CIA director, as well as White House officials.

In the circle of those close to Trump, Ratcliffe was among the most skeptical figures about the memorandum of understanding with Iran.

Before signing this memorandum of understanding, he had warned that Iran would interpret the terms of the agreement, including the provisions related to the Strait of Hormuz, differently from the United States.

The CIA and Mossad declined to comment on the matter.