3 weeks ago
15
October 20, 2024 | 06:38 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The United States is investigating the leak of highly classified U.S. intelligence documents that allegedly describe Israel's intentions to retaliate against Iran. According to one of the three sources familiar with the matter, these documents are legitimate.
The documents, dated October 15-16, were shared on Telegram by an account known as the Middle East Spectator and went viral on the internet on Friday. The top-secret documents, which are meant for the United States and its "Five Eyes" allies—Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom—describe Israel's alleged plans to strike Iran.
One document, reportedly compiled by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, describes Israel's movement of munitions. Another document, from the National Security Agency, outlines Israeli air force exercises involving air-to-surface missiles, believed to be in preparation for an attack on Iran.
A U.S. official confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine who had access to these classified Pentagon documents. Such a leak automatically triggers an investigation by the FBI, the Pentagon, and U.S. intelligence agencies. The FBI chose not to comment on the situation.
The leak comes at a particularly sensitive time in U.S.-Israeli relations. It will undoubtedly infuriate Israel, which has been getting ready to attack Iran after an October 1 missile strike. It will undoubtedly infuriate Israel, which has been getting ready to attack Iran after an October 1 missile strike. However, the document states that the U.S. has observed no evidence that Israel intends to attack Iran with nuclear weapons.
Mulroy went on to say that such a leak could jeopardize future U.S.-Israel coordination. “Trust is a key component in the relationship, and depending on how this was leaked that trust could be eroded.”
Regarding the leak, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and the Pentagon chose not to respond.
It remains unclear how the documents became public. The possibility of both hacking and intentional leaking cannot be ruled out.
The U.S. is already on high alert for Iranian hacking campaigns. In August, U.S. intelligence services revealed that Iran had compromised Donald Trump's campaign papers.
U.S. officials said this week that Israel would strike again before November 5 in response to Iran's attacks earlier this month.
When asked if he was aware of Israeli preparations to attack Iran and its targets during a recent trip to Germany, President Joe Biden simply replied, “Yes and yes.” However, he declined to provide further details.
CNN | NDTV
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