The US is investigating the leak of secret intelligence information about Israel’s plans for a retaliatory strike against Iran – Firstpost

The United States has opened an investigation into the leak of top-secret intelligence information about Israel’s retaliation plans 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 have been marked for inspection only by the United States and its “Five Eyes” allies (Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom).

When asked about the leak of the documents in an interview with CNN, Johnson, the top lawmaker in the US House of Representatives, said that “an investigation is underway and I will be briefed on it in a few hours.”

“…We’re 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 reviewing the leak reports.

The New York Times reported that officials privately acknowledged that the documents were authentic, but that they likely represented only part of the information the United States had about its close ally’s plans.

The first document is titled: “Israel: The Air Force continues to prepare for an attack on Iran and conducts a second large force exercise.” It describes activities including the handling of ballistic and air-to-surface missiles.

The second is titled: “Israel: Defense Forces continue key munitions preparations and covert UAV activities almost certainly for attack on Iran.” UAVs are also known as drones.

US President Joe Biden responded to questions from reporters last week by saying he had a good understanding of when and how Israel would attack Iran. But he also said that he saw an opportunity to end the exchange of blows between the two enemies.

With input from agencies.