The United States is currently investigating a significant leak of highly classified US intelligence regarding Israel's plans for retaliation against Iran. The leaked documents, dated October 15 and 16, were circulated online and marked as top secret, intended only for the US and its 'Five Eyes' allies.
The leaked information describes preparations that Israel seems to be making for a potential strike against Iran, including movements of munitions and air force exercises involving air-to-surface missiles. The leak has raised deep concerns among US officials, triggering an investigation to determine the source of the breach.
The leak has come at a delicate moment in US-Israeli relations, particularly following Iran's missile barrage on October 1. The documents also hint at Israel's possession of nuclear weapons, a fact that the country has never publicly confirmed. This breach of classified information could strain the trust and coordination between the US and Israel, as highlighted by former defense and CIA official Mick Mulroy.
While the leaked documents are concerning, officials are worried about the possibility of more sensitive information being exposed. The investigation is ongoing to ascertain how the documents were made public and whether they were hacked or deliberately leaked.
This incident follows previous instances of intelligence leaks that have strained US relationships with allies. The US government is already on high alert regarding potential Iranian hacking activities, further complicating the situation.
The National Security Council, Pentagon, and intelligence agencies are all involved in the investigation, with the FBI also likely to be engaged. The repercussions of this leak could have far-reaching implications for national security and international relations.