 "US investigates leak of classified intelligence on Israel's plans for retaliatory strike on Iran")
The US has launched an investigation into the leak of highly classified intelligence regarding Israel’s plans for retaliation against Iran, House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Sunday.
The top-secret documents dated October 15 and 16 were posted on Telegram by the “Middle East Spectator” account and began circulating online last Friday. These documents were marked for viewing by only the US and its “Five Eyes” allies (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK.
Asked about the leak of the documents during an interview with CNN, Johnson, the U.S. House of Representatives’ top lawmaker, said an “investigation (is) underway and I’ll get a briefing on that in a couple of hours.”
“…We are following it closely,” Johnson added.
The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Pentagon said it was looking into the leak reports.
The New York Times reported that officials acknowledged privately that the documents were authentic, but that they likely only represent a portion of information the U.S. has on its close ally’s planning.
The first document is titled: “Israel: Air Force Continues Preparations for Strike on Iran and Conducts a Second Large-Force Employment Exercise”. It describes activities including ballistic and air-to-surface missile handling.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe second is titled: “Israel: Defense Forces Continue Key Munitions Preparations and Covert UAV Activity Almost Certainly for a Strike on Iran”. UAVs are also known as drones.
US President Joe Biden, responding to questions from reporters, said last week he had a good understanding of when and how Israel would attack Iran. But he also said he sees an opportunity to end the two enemies’ back-and-forth strikes.
With inputs from agencies.
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