INTEL ROUNDUP: CIA-KHAMENEI BACK-CHANNEL, CHINA TARGETS U.S. SKATER, NSA VACANCY LOOMS

Key developments in this week's intelligence world:

CIA-Khamenei Contact The CIA maintains back-channel communications with Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei through intermediaries, sources tell SpyTalk. Purpose unclear—likely related to de-escalation amid U.S.-Iran tensions.

Chinese Spy Operation China conducted surveillance on figure skater Alysa Liu and her father. Details on scope and methods remain unclear. Liu, a two-time U.S. national champion, has no public connection to sensitive information.

NSA Leadership Gap The National Security Agency faces a significant vacancy in senior leadership, with replacement process ongoing. The timing comes as surveillance oversight faces renewed scrutiny.

Tulsi Gabbard Controversy Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (I-HI) failed to brief the Gang of Eight—the bipartisan Congressional oversight committee—raising questions about her transition protocols ahead of a potential role in intelligence circles.

Defection Alert A former Air Force pilot has turned against the U.S., potentially providing adversaries access to classified aviation technology and tactics.

Skripal Case Revisited A new documentary examines the 2018 poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in the UK—a case blamed on Russian intelligence.

Source: SpyTalk

Status: Developing—additional details expected as reporting continues.