Biden nominates former U.S. ambassador to Russia for CIA director

US President Joe Biden has nominated William Burns for approval in the Senate for the post of CIA director, the White House said.

Under President Barack Obama, Burns headed the US delegation at the talks of the "six" international mediators with Iran on the Iranian nuclear issue, and in 2005-2008 was the United States Ambassador to Moscow.

Biden announced his intention to appoint Burns as the head of the intelligence department on January 11. He stated at the time that Burns "shares my deep conviction that intelligence should be apolitical and that dedicated intelligence professionals serving our country deserve our gratitude and respect."

If approved by the Senate, Burns will become the first career diplomat to serve as director of the CIA, observers say.