Israel Postpones Strikes On Iran After Document Leak

• 24.10.2024, 16:55

The leak occurred in the United States.

Israel has decided to postpone a strike on Iran after a leak of potentially sensitive military information from the United States last week, The Times. reports.

The document was published on the pro-Iranian Telegram channel Middle East Spectator on October 18. According to this data, Israel was going to attack Iran with Golden Horizon and Rocks missiles.

Rocks is a long-range air-to-surface missile that can be launched from F-16 or F-35 fighters, while Golden Horizon is a ballistic missile with a range of about 1,900 kilometers.

“The leak of American documents delayed the attack due to the need to change some strategies and components. There will be a response, but it will take longer than planned,” an Israeli intelligence source told the publication.

According to him, the IDF is developing an alternative attack plan. The leak does not mention specific targets, but the US has warned Israel against striking Iran's nuclear infrastructure or oil industry. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has assured the US that the response will focus on military targets. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its units are considered likely targets.

According to the publication, the FBI is investigating the leak. The Pentagon has denied reports that the main suspect in the investigation is an Iranian employee, Ariane Tabatabaei, who works for the US military department. Netanyahu, at a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, said that Hezbollah's attack on his home was “a significant issue that cannot be ignored”. He stressed the need for the US and Israel to join forces against Iran.

“We support Israel and will always support its right to defend itself. It is also very important that Israel respond in a way that does not allow further escalation and does not risk the spread of the conflict,” Blinken said.