Iran

U.S. Launches Investigation into Unauthorized Release of Classified Documents on Israel’s Military Plans Against Iran

Published

2 months ago

October 20, 2024

The United States is currently investigating the unauthorised release of classified documents outlining Israel’s military plans against Iran, as reported by The Associated Press.

The documents, attributed to the U.S. Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency, indicate that Israel was actively positioning military assets for a potential strike in response to Iran’s ballistic missile attack on October 1. The information was classified as top secret and was shared within the “Five Eyes” alliance, which includes the U.S., Great Britain, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.

Aerial view of the Pentagon on March 31, 2024. (Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images)

These documents surfaced on the Telegram messaging app last week and were initially reported by CNN and Axios. The AP cited three U.S. officials regarding the ongoing investigation into the unauthorised release, with a fourth official indicating that the documents appeared legitimate.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) confirmed the investigation during an appearance on CNN, expressing concern over the leak. “The leak is very concerning. Serious allegations are being made, and there’s an investigation underway,” Johnson stated on *State of the Union*. He mentioned that he would receive a briefing on the matter shortly.

President Biden talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office of the White House on July 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

The investigation focuses on how the documents were obtained, exploring whether they were leaked intentionally by someone within the U.S. intelligence community or accessed through hacking. Officials are also assessing whether any other intelligence information was compromised and who had access to the documents before their online posting.

The documents were first seen online via a Telegram channel claiming the leaks originated from the U.S. intelligence community and later from the U.S. Defense Department. They reportedly contained information gathered through satellite image analysis. One document’s style was reminiscent of materials leaked by Jack Teixeira, an Air National Guardsman who pleaded guilty in March to leaking highly classified military documents related to Russia’s war on Ukraine and other national security matters.

The Telegram channel responsible for the leak claims to be based in Tehran and has a history of publishing content supporting Iran’s leadership and its associated militant groups.

In response to inquiries, the Pentagon acknowledged awareness of the reports regarding the documents but did not provide further comment. The Israeli military has not yet responded to requests for information. Fox News Digital also contacted the U.S. Department of Defense but has not received a reply.