### US Probes Leak of Classified Israel-Iran Attack Plans

The United States is urgently investigating the unauthorized disclosure of two highly classified intelligence documents that surfaced online. These sensitive materials, appearing on Telegram on Friday, outline purported US assessments of Israeli strategies to strike Iran. The evaluations are derived from satellite imagery and other intelligence sources.

John Kirby, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, expressed that President Joe Biden is "deeply concerned" about the leak, though it remains uncertain if it was caused by a hack or an internal breach. For weeks, Israel has signaled intentions of a strong counterattack after Iran launched a significant ballistic missile strike on Israel on October 1. This was allegedly in retaliation for Israel’s assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on September 27.

The leaked documents, marked "Top Secret" and containing the acronym "FGI" which stands for Foreign Government Intelligence, appear credible, military analysts say, given their consistency with historically similar classified revelations. Circulated among intelligence agencies in the Five Eyes alliance—comprising the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand—the documents are a detailed US analysis of Israel's military plans against Iran.

Key details in the analysis spotlight two Air Launched Ballistic Missile (ABLM) systems: Rocks and Golden Horizon. Rocks is a long-range missile system developed by the Israeli firm Rafael, capable of targeting both above and below ground. Golden Horizon is believed to be the Blue Sparrow missile system with a range of approximately 2,000 km (1,240 miles). Such long-range capabilities suggest Israel aims to avoid the airspace of neighboring countries such as Jordan, by launching from afar.

Notably, the documents do not mention any preparation by Israel to employ its nuclear deterrent, a subject the United States never publicly discusses due to diplomatic sensitivities. The absence of specific target information or attack timings also stands out. The US has previously voiced its opposition to attacks on Iran's nuclear or oil infrastructure, hinting that Israel's likely targets might include military bases, particularly those of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and Basij militia.

Any immediate Israeli response to Iran has yet to materialize, although historical context reveals a pattern of retaliatory actions within weeks. However, the current delay might be influenced by US concerns regarding potential escalation, especially with the US presidential elections approaching.

The leak underscores the intricate and sometimes covert nature of international defense relationships, revealing that despite close ties, the US continues surveillance on its allies to ensure it receives complete intelligence. The disclosed plans indicate advanced Israeli preparations for a significant retaliatory strike against Iran, inevitably raising tensions in the Middle East.