The US government is currently looking into the unauthorized release of classified documents that outline Israel’s plans to attack Iran. Mike Johnson, the US House speaker, expressed his concern about the leak during an interview with CNN’s State of the Union program. He mentioned that serious allegations have been made, and an investigation is underway to address the issue.
The leaked documents, reportedly from the US Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and National Security Agency, appear to be genuine according to a US official. However, the Guardian was unable to verify their authenticity immediately. The documents focus on Israel’s military preparations for a potential strike on Iran, including air-launched ballistic missiles, refueling aircraft, and covert drone surveillance.
While the documents do not specify any targets in Iran, they suggest that Israel was readying itself for a possible long-range missile response to Iran’s recent ballistic missile attack. It is worth noting that there is no evidence of Israel planning to use nuclear weapons in these preparations. The documents also mention specific missile systems like the Rocks missiles and Golden Horizon, which are designed for both above and below-ground targets.
The investigation into the leak is also looking into how the documents were obtained, whether through a deliberate leak by a member of the US intelligence community or by other means like hacking. It is crucial to determine if any other sensitive intelligence information was compromised as well. Authorities are working to trace who had access to the documents before their unauthorized release.
The US government has advised Israel to carefully consider its actions following the recent events, including the elimination of a Hamas leader and the ongoing military operations in Lebanon. While urging for a ceasefire in Gaza, the US has cautioned Israel against escalating the situation and risking a broader regional conflict. Israel, however, has emphasized its stance on not allowing Iran’s missile attack to go unanswered.
In response to the leak, the Pentagon acknowledged being aware of the reports but did not provide further comments. Johnson mentioned speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the situation and ensure close monitoring of the developments. The Israeli military has yet to respond to the leaked documents, but security officials are expected to convene for discussions.
The leaked documents, posted on Telegram, bear resemblance to previous leaks by individuals like Jack Teixeira, who had shared highly classified military documents in the past. The US has been actively working to prevent such leaks by tightening restrictions on sensitive information. The Telegram channel responsible for the leak has ties to Tehran, Iran, and has previously shown support for Iran’s “axis of resistance.”
As the investigation progresses, it is essential to address the implications of the leaked documents and ensure the security of classified information within the US intelligence community. The leaked documents shed light on the delicate balance of power in the Middle East and the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran. The US government must take necessary steps to prevent future leaks and safeguard national security interests.