CIA official charged with leaking Israeli strike plans on Iran

A CIA official has been charged with leaking classified information detailing Israeli military preparations for a potential retaliatory strike on Iran, according to U.S. officials.

The official, Asif W. Rahman, was reportedly arrested in Cambodia on Tuesday and later transported to the U.S. territory of Guam. On Thursday, Rahman was indicted in federal court in Northern Virginia, near CIA headquarters, facing two counts under the Espionage Act for allegedly “willfully transmitting classified information.”

The leaked documents, dated October 15 and 16, surfaced on the Telegram channel Middle East Spectator on October 20, revealing sensitive information about Israel’s strike plans amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. “This is a significant breach of security,” said an anonymous U.S. intelligence official, “one that potentially compromises ongoing efforts to stabilize the region.”

Also Read: How early symptoms of diabetes can save your life

The leak allegedly came from within the U.S. intelligence community, with officials warning of its potential to strain U.S.-Israel relations. “Sharing classified information with unauthorized parties is not just a breach of trust but a risk to our allies,” said an FBI spokesperson familiar with the case.

This disclosure follows Iran’s ballistic missile attack on October 1, reportedly in retaliation for the assassinations of high-profile figures in Hamas and Hezbollah. While the Iranian strikes caused damage to Israeli military sites, no fatalities were reported. The CIA official’s leak has drawn scrutiny amid heightened geopolitical tensions, with officials investigating the full scope and implications of the information Rahman allegedly shared.