The FBI is investigating the loss of confidential documents

WASHINGTON – The FBI said Tuesday it is investigating the unauthorized release of classified documents about Israel's preparation for a possible retaliatory attack on Iran.

White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Monday that the Biden administration is still not sure whether the classified information was leaked or hacked, but that officials currently have no indication that “additional information was leaked or hacked.” “Documents like this find their way into the public.” .”

At the Pentagon, Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had discussed releasing documents with his counterpart, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. But Ryder, who is press secretary, said he could not provide details or say when the conversation took place.

The Associated Press reported Saturday that U.S. officials were investigating the release. The FBI first confirmed the investigation on Tuesday, saying in a statement that it was “working closely with our partners at the Departments of Defense and Intelligence.” No further comment was made.

The documents are attributed to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency and indicate that Israel is still moving military assets into place to launch a military strike in response to Iran's devastating ballistic missile attack on October 1 to carry out. They were able to work within the “Five Eyes”, an intelligence alliance consisting of the USA, Great Britain, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

The documents, classified as top secret, first appeared online on the messaging app Telegram on Friday and quickly spread across Telegram channels popular with Iranians.

Ryder said he could not provide details about the investigation, including who in the department was working with the FBI, which is leading the investigation.

“The investigation is in its early days, so it is important that the investigation runs its course,” he said, adding that the department takes protecting sensitive information very seriously and will continue to do so.