Leaked U.S. intelligence documents allege Israel is planning a retaliatory strike against Iran following recent missile attacks, raising concerns about U.S.-Israel relations and the potential for escalating conflict in the region.
Leaked U.S. intelligence documents from the Biden-Harris administration suggest Israel is preparing a significant retaliatory strike against Iran, following the launch of nearly 200 ballistic missiles into Israeli territory on October 1. Though most missiles were intercepted, the breach has heightened tensions between the two nations. According to the reports, Israel’s response has been shrouded in secrecy, but the leaked documents provide a glimpse into their possible military strategy.
The documents, classified and intended only for the U.S. and a select group of Western allies, including the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand, were publicly released in recent days. It remains unclear how the sensitive material was leaked or who is responsible. An investigation has been launched to determine the source of the breach, with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson confirming the inquiry on Sunday.
Former CIA officer Mick Mulroy expressed concern, calling the leak a “serious breach” and warning that it could impact 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,” Mulroy told *CNN*.
The leaked intelligence, created by the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, reportedly details Israel’s tactical preparations, including potential surface-to-air missile strikes and airborne operations. The leak has sparked anxiety over how Israel’s military might respond, with the Biden-Harris administration reportedly cautioning against targeting Iran’s nuclear or oil facilities, while still supporting Israel’s right to defend itself.
This latest revelation comes as Israel is engaged in a broader conflict, following the Hamas invasion on October 7, 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 people. The conflict has since drawn in additional actors like Hezbollah and Iran, further escalating regional instability. As the situation develops, the potential for a direct Israeli strike on Iran remains a critical flashpoint, especially as U.S. relations with Israel face new challenges due to the leaked documents.
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