Leaked US Intelligence Reveals Israel’s Plans to Strike Iran
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US intelligence agencies are investigating a significant leak of classified documents detailing Israel’s potential military response to Iran. The leaked documents, which surfaced on October 15 and 16 on Telegram via the “Middle East Spectator” account, outline Israel's preparations for airstrikes targeting Iran.
Sources confirmed the authenticity of these documents, raising concerns about the implications for US-Israeli relations.
The documents, labeled top secret, were meant to be viewed only by the US and its "Five Eyes" intelligence partners: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
Among the information disclosed is Israel’s movement of munitions and air force exercises involving air-to-surface missiles. These preparations are believed to be in response to Iran’s missile barrage on October 1.
A US official called the leak "deeply concerning," and the Pentagon, along with the FBI, has launched an investigation to identify those responsible.
The leak occurs during a sensitive period in US-Israeli relations, especially amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran.
The documents also reference Israel's nuclear capabilities, a topic Israel has long refrained from confirming publicly. While the US has not seen any signs of Israel intending to use nuclear weapons, the leak could strain coordination between the two nations.
Mick Mulroy, a former CIA officer and deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East, stated that such a breach could erode trust between the US and Israel, as trust is vital to their close military collaboration.
It's unclear how these classified files were exposed, whether they were hacked or intentionally leaked.
The US remains vigilant against potential cyberattacks from Iran, which in the past has been linked to hacking activities aimed at political campaigns, including those in the US.
This leak follows another major intelligence breach last year that strained US ties with key allies, including South Korea and Ukraine. As investigations continue, the US government is concerned that further leaks may surface.
Source:
cnn.com