John Kyriakou: Former CIA Agent Who Became an Internet Sensation

John Kyriakou, the Greek-American former CIA agent, has become a viral phenomenon. With a relaxed style and straightforward manner, he shares stories from the depths of the agency that attract millions of viewers on social media and podcasts.

In a recent interview, Kyriakou revealed details about the pressure Israel exerted for years on the United States.

Q: What exactly did the Israelis say to the Americans about Iran?

A: “Throughout all my years at the CIA, regardless of who was governing Israel, they would come and ask us: ‘Help us strike Iran! Please!’ Every president rejected it—until this one,” he said, referring to the Trump era.

He sees the current cycle of tensions as an initiative originating from Israel. He expresses fears that, without a clear exit strategy, the situation could develop into a catastrophe larger and costlier than the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, with global repercussions.

Kyriakou, now 61 years old, became widely known in October when he appeared on Joe Rogan’s podcast, the most popular in the world. This was followed by appearances on other major shows and outlets like LADbible and Business Insider, where his revelations have amassed millions of views.

Q: How did your career at the CIA begin?

A: “I was recruited in 1990 by a professor of mine at George Washington University, who was actually a CIA operative. I quickly rose to become an analyst for the Middle East.”

After the September 11 attacks, he led counterterrorism operations in Pakistan and participated in raids against al-Qaeda hideouts. When his agency offered him training in “enhanced interrogation techniques,” he refused on moral grounds. Instead, in 2007, he became the first American official to publicly denounce the systematic use of torture methods such as “waterboarding,” cold cells, and sleep deprivation.

Q: What did that decision cost you?

A: “I couldn’t sleep at night knowing these things were being done on our behalf.”

He paid a heavy price for his disclosure: he spent two and a half years in prison, lost his retirement benefits, his family faced financial difficulties, and his second wife, a CIA analyst, was fired. His first marriage had already ended because of his job. “That’s what happens to most people in the intelligence business,” he notes.

Although he still feels connected to the United States, Kyriakou admits: “I believed in the system. Today, I no longer do.” After his release, he wrote books, created the podcast “Deep Focus with John Kyriakou,” and today is considered one of the most sought-after commentators on intelligence and geopolitical issues. He calls himself “the reluctant spy.”

Short clips from his interviews continue to circulate widely on Instagram, making him “famous overnight,” as he says himself with surprise.