FBI investigates leaked U.S. intelligence documents on Iran attack (includes video story)

The FBI, along with the Pentagon, is investigating the unauthorized online release of highly classified U.S. intelligence documents on Oct. 18. The documents, reportedly authentic, include sensitive details about Israel’s potential plans to strike Iran.

House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed the seriousness of the situation, saying, “The leak is very concerning. There are some serious allegations being made there. An investigation is underway.”

The documents, which began circulating on Telegram, were posted by a channel called “Middle East Spectator.” 

White House National Security Advisor John Kirby emphasized the gravity of the breach, noting that President Biden is worried.  

“The president remains deeply concerned about any leakage of classified information into the public domain,” Kirby stated. “That is not supposed to happen, and it’s unacceptable when it does.”

The classified intelligence was reportedly intended for officials in the U.S., Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the U.K. Experts warn that this leak could complicate future intelligence-sharing, particularly with Israel. Experts also believe the breach could harm U.S. interests in the Middle East. 

William Cohen, a former defense secretary under President Bill Clinton, echoed the concerns. “We don’t want to see it repeated, and we don’t know who has access to it, or who might want to repeat it again.”

Brad Bauman, a Democratic political consultant, stressed the potential consequences of the disclosure.

“It is deeply troubling that we are so close to the precipice of all-out war in the region,” Bauman wrote in a statement. “Israel has a right to defend itself, and we know much of the terrorist infrastructure that threatens Israel has been financed and trained by Iran. That said, risking a wider war at a time when the Israeli government should be focused on negotiating a peaceful solution to the crisis in Gaza is playing with fire.”

Retired U.S. Army Colonel Peter Mansoor added that the release of Israel’s attack strategies has introduced new uncertainty into the region’s security situation. 

“The recent leak of the means and methods Israel intends to use has thrown a wild card into the situation,” Mansoor explained. “I think the Israelis are going to target military sites, which would be a proportional response.”

Cohen also noted that the U.S. usually receives prior notice of Israeli military plans to ensure the safety of American forces stationed in the region. 

Samantha Gutierrez is a student journalist majoring in Digital Communication and Media. As a bilingual reporter, she enjoys covering stories about her diverse Miami community. With a strong passion for broadcasting, she aspires to pursue a career as a multimedia journalist in South Florida.