Recently, CIA Director John Ratcliffe met in Washington with the new head of Israel's intelligence agency, Mossad, to discuss the war with Iran and negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program, according to two sources cited by Axios.

This visit by Roman Gofman was his first to Washington since taking office as Mossad director in June, and it came just as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz escalated and fighting resumed in the Middle East.

According to Axios, one of the purposes of the visit was to coordinate with the White House regarding nuclear negotiations with Iran. Sources stated that Gofman met not only with Director Ratcliffe but also with White House officials.

The report notes that Ratcliffe has been one of the figures among President Donald Trump's inner circle who remained relatively skeptical of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Iran. Prior to the signing of the MOU, Ratcliffe reportedly warned that Tehran might interpret key provisions differently than the U.S., including those related to the Strait of Hormuz.

Axios reported that both the CIA and Mossad declined to comment on the report.

Gofman assumed leadership of the Israeli intelligence agency on June 2, following delays in his appointment due to legal issues. At the inauguration ceremony, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Gofman's mission is to ensure that Iran no longer poses a threat to Israel, vowing that Iran's "terrorist regime will vanish from this world."

The reported discussions between intelligence authorities come at a time when President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu are exploring their next moves in the conflict with Iran.

Axios reported on Wednesday the 22nd that President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu have discussed the possibility of a meeting in the Oval Office next week, although a specific schedule has not yet been confirmed. The Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Washington to attend the funeral of the late Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and the possibility of a meeting at the White House during this visit has been raised.

According to Axios, U.S. and Israeli officials are reviewing two main options: pushing for a new ceasefire proposal aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, or expanding joint military operations against Iran should diplomatic efforts fail. Israeli officials told Axios that while they are preparing for the possibility of a wider conflict, they will only participate if Iran attacks or if the U.S. requests Israel's involvement.

Axios reported that the White House has not yet announced any plans for a meeting between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu, and that both the Israeli Prime Minister's Office and the Israeli Embassy in the U.S. have declined to comment.

U.S. NNP = Representative Reporter Hong Sung-gu / Special Report NNP info@newsandpost.com