Release of CIA Iran nuke papers sought

WASHINGTON, July 1 (UPI) -- An ex-CIA agent is seeking the release of documents he says show that the spy agency ignored intelligence about Iran's nuclear program.

The agent, who is not allowed to use his real name, filed a motion in federal court late last week asking for the declassification of legal documents that he says show the CIA suppressed findings that indicated Iran had halted its weapons program.

The former agent's attorney told the Washington Post that his client had tried to warn headquarters that its intelligence on Iraq's weapons of mass destruction was faulty and that Iran was no longer developing a nuclear bomb either.

"On five occasions he was ordered to either falsify his reporting on WMD in the Near East, or not to file his reports at all," said lawyer Roy Krieger.

The Post noted, however, that the ex agent is embroiled in a lawsuit against the CIA over his dismissal due to allegations of sexual and financial improprieties.

The agency denied it had suppressed any of the intelligence gathered by the agent for political reasons.