US investigates classified document leak of Israel’s plan to strike Iran

The United States has launched an investigation into the leak of classified documents detailing Israel’s military preparations for a potential strike on Iran. House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed the inquiry, describing the situation as “very concerning.”

Leaked documents reveal Israeli military preparations

The leaked documents, reportedly shared on an Iranian-aligned Telegram account, include top-secret information about Israel’s military movements following Iran’s missile attack on Oct. 1. The documents, attributed to the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency (NSA), detail Israel’s military preparations, including satellite imagery showing the movement of military assets.

Five eyes intelligence alliance impacted by leak

The documents, which were shareable within the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, including the U.S., Britain, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, have raised concerns about the security of sensitive intelligence shared among close allies. The Pentagon has acknowledged the reports but declined to comment further on the matter.

Five Eyes Intelligence Oversight and Review Council (FIORC) is composed of the following non-political intelligence oversight, review, and security entities of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States

• The Office of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security of Australia
• The National Security and Intelligence Review Agency of Canada
• The Office of the Intelligence Commissioner of Canada
• The Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants and the Office of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security of New Zealand
• The Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office of the United Kingdom
• The Office of the Inspector General of the Intelligence Community of the United States

Investigation into leak underway

U.S. officials are examining whether the leak was intentional or a result of a cyber breach. According to reports, the classified documents were based on satellite intelligence gathered between Oct. 15-16, and they reveal Israel’s air force exercises and covert unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) activity, likely in preparation for an upcoming strike on Iran.

Israel’s response to Iran’s missile attack

While Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has warned of a “deadly, precise, and surprising” response to Iran’s recent aggression, the leaked documents suggest that nuclear capabilities have been ruled out as part of any planned retaliatory strike.

U.S. President Joe Biden has indicated that he has a “good understanding” of Israel’s intentions, though he refrained from disclosing any details.