Axios: Israel’s new Mossad head holds US talks on Iran

The newly appointed head of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, Roman Gofman, visited Washington two weeks ago for discussions on the war in Iran and Tehran’s nuclear program, two sources familiar with the matter told Axios.

The visit marked Gofman’s first trip to the U.S. capital since assuming office in June and underscored his role as one of the closest advisers to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

According to one Israeli source, a key objective of the trip was to coordinate with the White House on ongoing negotiations with Iran over a potential nuclear agreement.

The meetings took place shortly before tensions escalated around the Strait of Hormuz and hostilities resumed in the region.

Sources said Gofman held talks with John Ratcliffe, as well as senior White House officials.

Within the inner circle of U.S. President Donald Trump, Ratcliffe had been among the more sceptical voices regarding a memorandum of understanding with Iran. He had warned prior to the agreement that Tehran might interpret its provisions differently from Washington, including those related to the Strait of Hormuz.

By Tamilla Hasanova