US Investigates Leaked Intelligence on Israel’s Plans to Strike Iran

The United States is investigating a leak of highly classified intelligence regarding Israel's plans to retaliate against Iran, according to multiple sources. The leaked documents, dated October 15 and 16, were marked as top secret, intended only for the US and its "Five Eyes" allies — Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

The documents reportedly detail Israel's preparations for a possible military strike against Iran. One document, compiled by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, describes Israel moving munitions in preparation for an attack. Another, sourced from the National Security Agency, outlines Israeli air force exercises involving air-to-surface missiles. Both appear to be connected to Israel's response to Iran’s missile barrage on October 1. CNN has not directly quoted or displayed the documents.

The leak is causing significant concern within the US government. A US official confirmed to CNN that the documents are authentic, calling the leak "deeply concerning." This type of breach has triggered an FBI-led investigation, alongside the Pentagon and other intelligence agencies. The FBI has declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.

This incident occurs at a particularly sensitive moment in US-Israeli relations, potentially straining the two nations' strategic coordination. Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East and retired CIA officer Mick Mulroy told CNN, "If it is true that Israeli tactical plans to respond to Iran’s attack on October 1 have been leaked, it is a serious breach. The future coordination between the US and Israel could be challenged as well."

Of further concern is the revelation in one document that alludes to Israel's possession of nuclear weapons, a subject Israel has never publicly confirmed. However, there is no indication that Israel plans to use nuclear weapons in a strike against Iran.

The leaked documents, though troubling, are not as severe as past breaches, according to a US official. However, there is concern over the potential for additional documents to surface, as the exact source of the leak remains unclear. It is also unknown whether the information was obtained through hacking or a deliberate leak.

This is not the first major leak of classified US intelligence. Last year, highly sensitive documents were leaked on Discord, straining the US' relationships with several allies, including South Korea and Ukraine. The current leak could similarly complicate relations between the US and Israel at a critical juncture.