The United States has launched an investigation into the leak of highly classified intelligence documents that detail Israel’s preparations for a retaliatory strike on Iran. These documents, which originated from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, were based on U.S. interpretations of satellite imagery observing Israeli military activities around mid-October. The leak became public through circulation on the Telegram messaging app.
- The intelligence documents describe preparations by the Israeli Air Force and Navy, which are part of a broader response to an Iranian ballistic missile attack on Israel on October 1.
- House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed the ongoing investigation and his upcoming briefing on the matter during a CNN interview.
- U.S. officials, speaking to The New York Times, acknowledged the authenticity of the documents but suggested they represent only a subset of the comprehensive information the U.S. holds regarding Israeli military plans.
- The leaked documents specifically mention Israeli preparations involving ballistic and air-to-surface missile handling, and covert UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) activities likely aimed at a strike on Iran.
- President Joe Biden has expressed his awareness of the timing and nature of a potential Israeli attack on Iran, emphasizing a possible diplomatic resolution to the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran.
The investigation aims to understand the source of the leak and prevent further unauthorized disclosures of sensitive national security information.
