CIA shifts view on Covid-19 lab leak theory, report says

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has adjusted its assessment of Covid-19’s origins, now viewing a laboratory leak in China as a possible source of the pandemic, alongside the natural transmission theory, according to a New York Times report.

The agency’s updated position stems from a reexamination of existing evidence rather than new intelligence, unnamed officials told the Times. The analysis reportedly includes a detailed review of conditions at Wuhan’s research facilities before the outbreak.

According to the report, a CIA spokesperson emphasised that multiple origin theories remain under consideration, and the agency continues to evaluate new intelligence as it emerges.

The CIA has historically maintained an uncertain stance regarding whether the pandemic resulted from natural animal-to-human transmission or a potential laboratory incident in China.