On September 19, 2025, Istanbul played host to a significant moment in the world of international intelligence. Richard Moore, the outgoing chief of Britain’s foreign intelligence agency MI6, took to the stage for his final public address before stepping down later this month. His wide-ranging speech offered a candid assessment of the threats facing the West, from the ongoing war in Ukraine to the evolving challenges posed by China, Iran, and Islamist terrorism.
Moore, who has led MI6 for five years, did not mince words as he outlined the complex and interconnected dangers confronting Western democracies. He opened his address by focusing on the war in Ukraine, which remains a central concern for MI6. According to the Associated Press, Moore asserted that there is “absolutely no evidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants peace negotiations regarding the war in Ukraine.” Instead, he argued, Russia’s continued aggression is being enabled by a web of international support, most notably from China.
China, Moore said, occupies a unique and precarious position in global affairs. While the United Kingdom seeks a “respectful and constructive relationship” with Beijing, Moore emphasized that China must adhere to the “established rules of engagement and non-interference.” He described China as straddling “that dichotomy of opportunity and threat,” a phrase that underscores the complicated reality of modern geopolitics. The British government has previously accused Chinese spies of targeting officials in politics, defense, and business, a claim that Moore referenced as he spoke about the risks of espionage and technological theft.
But it was China’s role in the Ukraine conflict that drew Moore’s sharpest criticism. He accused Beijing, along with Iran and North Korea, of supporting Russia’s military ambitions. “Chinese diplomatic backing as well as the provision of ‘dual use’ electronic components and chemicals had prevented (Russian President Vladimir) Putin from reaching the conclusion that peace is his best option,” Moore stated, as reported by the AP. This support, he argued, has bolstered Russia’s war machine and prolonged the suffering in Ukraine.
Turning to Iran, Moore warned that a nuclear-free Iran remains a top priority for British intelligence. He cautioned Tehran against “blindly pursuing a strategy that destabilizes their neighborhood and puts them at odds with much of the rest of the world.” The West and Israel have long accused Iran of seeking to build nuclear weapons, a charge Iran denies. However, tensions reached a boiling point during the 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June 2025, when Israeli airstrikes targeted Iranian nuclear facilities. The conflict not only heightened regional instability but also disrupted diplomatic efforts. Following the U.S. withdrawal in 2018 from the international agreement designed to limit Iran’s nuclear program, Tehran has steadily ramped up its nuclear activities and suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. Moore observed, “A reset in the region required a change of mentality in Tehran, not yet detected in our intelligence.”
Moore also addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for an end to “further appalling suffering of innocent Palestinians.” He stressed that peace in Gaza is essential for any broader regional reset, linking the fate of the enclave to the wider challenges of Middle Eastern stability.
On the subject of terrorism, Moore acknowledged that groups like Islamic State and al-Qaida have been significantly weakened in recent years. Yet he cautioned against complacency. These organizations, he said, are actively seeking to reestablish themselves, leveraging technology to “spread their violent ideologies online.” Moore noted that the fight against terrorism requires more than military might. “Good partnerships” and leaders who address the root causes of radicalization are necessary to defeat efforts to terrorize, he emphasized. The message was clear: the battle against extremism is as much about ideas and social cohesion as it is about intelligence operations.
The speech also marked a historic transition for MI6. Moore announced that he will be succeeded later this month by Blaise Metreweli, who will become the agency’s first female chief. Metreweli, praised by Moore for her experience and leadership as the agency’s “Q”—the head of technological innovation in espionage—represents a new chapter in the storied history of Britain’s secret intelligence service. Moore, in a nod to MI6 tradition, said he was “now hanging up my cloak, returning my imaginary dagger to its scabbard and handing over my famous green pen.” The green pen, long a symbol of the MI6 chief’s authority, was passed on with both pride and a sense of continuity.
Moore’s tenure as “C”—the codename for MI6’s chief—has been marked by unprecedented challenges. The resurgence of state-based threats, the weaponization of technology, and the persistence of non-state actors like terrorist groups have forced intelligence agencies to adapt at a rapid pace. As Moore put it, the future of espionage will depend not only on traditional tradecraft but also on the ability to harness technological innovation and build resilient partnerships at home and abroad.
The outgoing chief’s remarks in Istanbul come at a time of heightened global anxiety. The war in Ukraine shows little sign of abating, with Western officials warning that the conflict could drag on for years unless diplomatic and military strategies shift. Meanwhile, the specter of nuclear proliferation in the Middle East, the rise of cyber-enabled espionage, and the ongoing threat of terrorism continue to test the resolve and ingenuity of intelligence professionals worldwide.
Yet Moore’s speech was not without hope. By calling for renewed engagement with China—albeit on firm terms—and by urging Tehran to reconsider its regional strategy, he left the door open for diplomacy and dialogue. His emphasis on addressing the root causes of radicalization and his call for peace in Gaza suggested that intelligence work must go hand in hand with efforts to build more just and stable societies.
As Blaise Metreweli prepares to assume the role of “C,” she inherits a service that is both steeped in tradition and on the cutting edge of technological change. Moore’s parting words, laced with the dry wit and symbolism that have long characterized British intelligence, serve as a reminder that the world of espionage is as much about people and principles as it is about secrets and gadgets. The challenges ahead are formidable, but, as Moore’s Istanbul address made clear, the commitment to safeguarding the West’s security and values remains undiminished.
With new leadership and evolving threats, MI6 stands at a crossroads—ready to confront the next chapter in a rapidly changing world.
