US Probes Classified Leak on Israel’s Potential Iran Strike Plans

The US investigates a leak of top-secret documents outlining Israel’s potential plans for a retaliatory strike against Iran. The documents, authentic per a source, surfaced online, causing concerns given the sensitive content and possible impact on US-Israel trust and coordination. The leak came via a Telegram account.

The United States is currently investigating a significant leak of classified intelligence that sheds light on Israel's potential strategies for a retaliatory strike against Iran, according to sources cited by CNN. One source attested to the authenticity of these sensitive documents.

A US official has expressed deep concern over the leak, which involves documents dated October 15 and 16. These documents were circulated online on Friday, allegedly posted by a Telegram account named 'Middle East Spectator'. The documents are marked as top secret and intended exclusively for the US and its 'Five Eyes' intelligence-sharing partners: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

The documents reportedly detail Israel's preparations for a military offensive against Iran, with specifics on munitions movements and air force exercises involving air-to-surface missiles. These developments are amid increased tensions following an attack on Israel on October 1. The leak also hints at the existence of Israeli nuclear weapons, a claim not publicly confirmed by Israel.

An ongoing US investigation aims to identify who accessed this sensitive Pentagon material, with a collaborative probe led by the FBI, the Pentagon, and US intelligence agencies. The FBI declined to comment on the matter, as reported by CNN. The leak exacerbates US-Israel relations at a delicate time, potentially affecting future cooperation.

Mick Mulroy, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for West Asia and a retired CIA officer, remarked on the severity of the breach, noting it might undermine future US-Israel coordination. He emphasized that trust, a cornerstone of bilateral relations, could deteriorate depending on the leak's origins.

Another US official remarked that while the two documents are concerning, the broader worry lies in the potential existence of additional leaked materials. The manner of the leak—whether by hacking or deliberate exposure—remains under scrutiny. The US has been vigilant about Iranian cyber threats, especially following a report in August on Iran hacking documents related to Donald Trump's campaign.

This incident, first reported by Axios, surfaces after a previous intelligence breach last year involving a young Air National Guardsman exposing highly classified data on Discord, which strained US relations with allies like South Korea and Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies.)