On September 19, 2025, in the historic city of Istanbul, Richard Moore, the outgoing chief of Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service—known to most as MI6—delivered a speech that pulled no punches. As he prepares to step down after five years at the helm, Moore’s address was a sweeping overview of the threats facing the West, with a particular focus on Russia, China, Iran, and the persistent specter of Islamist terrorism. The timing and candor of his remarks have sparked considerable attention across diplomatic and intelligence circles, as the world faces shifting geopolitical sands and new, technologically driven dangers.
Moore’s speech, delivered to an audience that included international officials and security experts, centered on the war in Ukraine. He did not mince words about the gravity of Russia’s ongoing aggression and the broader implications for European and global security. According to the Associated Press, Moore asserted that the conflict in Ukraine remains a central concern for MI6, reflecting the agency’s commitment to countering Russian ambitions and supporting Western allies in the region.
But Russia was only one piece of the puzzle. Moore turned his gaze to China, describing the world’s most populous nation as straddling “that dichotomy of opportunity and threat.” He explained, “While the U.K. wants a respectful and constructive relationship, China must stick to the established rules of engagement and non-interference.” This careful phrasing underscores a dilemma faced by many Western nations: how to engage with a powerful economic partner that is also a formidable strategic rival. The British government, Moore noted, has accused Chinese spies of targeting British officials in politics, defense, and business—a charge that has heightened tensions between London and Beijing in recent years.
Moore’s comments on China went further, highlighting the country’s role in supporting Russia’s war machine. He named not only China but also Iran and North Korea as contributors to Moscow’s military efforts. He stated that Chinese diplomatic backing, as well as the provision of “dual use” electronic components and chemicals, has “prevented (Russian President Vladimir) Putin from reaching the conclusion that peace is his best option.” This assertion, reported by the Associated Press, paints a picture of a complex web of alliances and dependencies that have prolonged the conflict and complicated Western responses.
Iran, too, featured prominently in Moore’s assessment of global threats. He reiterated that a nuclear-free Iran remains a top priority for British intelligence and its allies, warning Tehran against “blindly pursuing a strategy that destabilizes their neighborhood and puts them at odds with much of the rest of the world.” The context for these remarks is fraught: tensions between Iran and Israel reached a boiling point during a 12-day war in June 2025, when Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. This dramatic escalation followed years of mounting suspicion about Iran’s nuclear ambitions—a charge Iran has repeatedly denied, even as it has ramped up its nuclear activities since the United States withdrew from the 2018 international agreement to limit its program.
The war between Iran and Israel, as reported by the Associated Press, also derailed ongoing nuclear negotiations with the United States and led Iran to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. Moore was candid about the challenges ahead, stating that a reset in the region requires “a change of mentality in Tehran, not yet detected in our intelligence.” It’s a sobering admission, reflecting the deep-seated mistrust and strategic calculations shaping the Middle East today.
Moore did not limit his concerns to state actors. Turning to the persistent threat of terrorism, he addressed the evolving strategies of groups like Islamic State and al-Qaida. While both organizations have been “damaged,” Moore warned that they are actively seeking to reestablish themselves. What’s changed in recent years is their embrace of technology, using online platforms to “spread their violent ideologies.” The Associated Press quotes Moore as emphasizing the importance of “good partnerships” and leaders who tackle the root causes of radicalization—a reminder that defeating terrorism requires more than just military might; it demands a nuanced, multifaceted approach that addresses the underlying grievances and vulnerabilities exploited by extremist groups.
Moore’s call for peace in Gaza was another notable element of his speech. He urged an end to the “further appalling suffering of innocent Palestinians.” This brief, but pointed, statement reflects the broader humanitarian concerns that have come to the fore amid ongoing violence in the region. It’s a sentiment that resonates with many observers who see the need for both security and justice in the pursuit of lasting peace.
As Moore prepares to hand over the reins of MI6, the agency itself is poised for a historic transition. Blaise Metreweli, the agency’s current “Q” and a leader in technological innovation, will become the first female chief in MI6’s storied history. Moore praised her experience, particularly her work spearheading new espionage technologies—a nod to the increasing importance of cyber capabilities and digital intelligence in today’s security landscape.
In a characteristically British flourish, Moore referenced the green ink traditionally used by MI6 chiefs. “I am now hanging up my cloak, returning my imaginary dagger to its scabbard and handing over my famous green pen,” he said, as reported by the Associated Press. The remark, both whimsical and reflective, signals the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the agency.
The challenges outlined by Moore are daunting: a resurgent Russia, an assertive China, a destabilizing Iran, and the ever-present threat of terrorism. Yet his speech also conveyed a sense of resolve and adaptability—a recognition that intelligence work is as much about forging partnerships and embracing innovation as it is about gathering secrets. With a new leader at the helm and a rapidly changing global environment, MI6 faces a future that is as uncertain as it is consequential.
As the world watches the shifting balance of power, Moore’s words serve as both a warning and a call to action. The threats may be evolving, but so too are the tools and strategies needed to confront them. For Britain and its allies, vigilance, cooperation, and a willingness to adapt will be essential in navigating the turbulent waters ahead.
