Highly classified documents revealing U.S. assessments of Israeli retaliatory actions against Iran have reportedly been leaked, sparking investigations by the Pentagon. According to CNN, three sources familiar with the matter disclosed that the Department of Defense is looking into how sensitive intelligence detailing Israel’s military preparations—such as arms mobilization and air-to-ground missile exercises—came to be outside secure channels. This leak, occurring amid rising tensions in U.S.-Israeli relations, is expected to provoke anger within Israel.
These documents, dated October 15 and 16, were uploaded to a Telegram account named “Middle East Spectator” and began circulating on the platform on October 18.
One of the leaked files, created by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, outlines plans involving the movement of munitions by Israel. Another document from the National Security Agency summarizes Israeli Air Force exercises, involving air-to-ground missiles, which are interpreted as preparations for potential strikes against Iran. CNN has not directly quoted or displayed these documents.
Additionally, some documents implied that Israel has long refrained from officially acknowledging its possession of nuclear weapons.
These files were initially restricted to the “Five Eyes” alliance, which includes Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Their leak has prompted investigations by the FBI, the Pentagon, and intelligence agencies. An official conveyed to CNN that the situation has raised “deep concerns.”
Michael Mulroy, a retired CIA officer and former deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East, stated, “If the tactical plans in response to Iran’s October 1 attack have indeed been leaked, this is a serious breach. Future coordination between the U.S. and Israel could be affected, and such intelligence leaks will erode trust between them.”
Another U.S. official remarked, “While the leak of these two documents is troubling, what’s more concerning is whether more sensitive information has been compromised.”
It remains unclear how these documents became public or whether they were the result of hacking or intentional leaking. The U.S. has been on high alert regarding Iranian cyber activities.
