OREANDA-NEWS  The director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), John Ratcliffe, arrived in Moscow to discuss relations between Russia and the North Atlantic Alliance. This is reported by CBS News, citing sources.

According to the TV channel, the American official arrived in Moscow in order to discuss and prevent a potential escalation of relations between Russia and NATO, which could lead to direct conflict.

"Ratcliffe also touched upon Iran, warning of additional sanctions if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened to navigation," the channel's interlocutors added.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump said that Ratcliffe's visit to Moscow was part of the routine. He also stressed that the trip was not related to the escalation in relations between NATO and Russia and the situation around Iran.