The White House has announced it is investigating the leak of a preliminary assessment regarding the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that those who leaked the document will face justice, calling the report ‘flat-out wrong.’ Leavitt emphasized the administration’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for mishandling classified information, stating that the leak poses a risk to national security and the safety of the American public.
The leaked report, published by CNN and the New York Times, suggested that the U.S. strikes only set back Iran’s nuclear program by several months, casting doubt on the initial claims made by President Donald Trump and other leaders. Trump and his administration have consistently maintained that the strikes completely destroyed three Iranian nuclear sites, but the leaked assessment contradicts this, indicating a more limited impact. The Defense Intelligence Agency’s report, which formed the basis of the leaked assessment, was cited as an initial battle damage analysis from U.S. Central Command. CNN reported that the findings were based on input from seven sources briefed on the report, highlighting the credibility of the intelligence within the military.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirmed that the FBI is investigating the incident and tracing the path of the leaked document. He stated the administration is committed to strengthening processes to prevent the misuse of classified information, ensuring that individuals who access such material bear responsibility for its safe handling. The investigation aims to identify the responsible party and ensure that procedures are improved to safeguard national security and protect the public from potential threats.
Concurrently, the U.S. and its allies, including Israel, have publicly asserted that the three nuclear sites struck were severely damaged. The Israeli Atomic Energy Commission described the strikes as ‘devastating,’ while Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Ismail Baghaei, stated that Iran’s nuclear facilities were ‘badly damaged.’ Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine also noted that the initial assessments suggest ‘all three sites sustained extremely severe damage and destruction.’
President Trump has remained steadfast in his position, warning Iran that any attempt to resume its nuclear program will result in another U.S. strike. He issued a direct threat to Iran, emphasizing that the U.S. has no intention of holding back in the face of perceived threats. In addition, Trump directed criticism at one of the reporters who authored the story regarding the initial assessment, suggesting he should be ‘IMMEDIATELY reprimanded, and then thrown out ‘like a dog.’’ CNN, however, has defended the reporter, Natasha Bertrand, stating that the publication’s coverage clearly indicated the assessment was preliminary and subject to change with additional intelligence.
The controversy surrounding the leaked report has reignited discussions about the balance between transparency and national security. As the FBI continues its investigation, the administration faces the challenge of maintaining public trust while ensuring that classified information remains secure. The incident has sparked debates over the handling of sensitive intelligence and the potential consequences of leaks in an era of heightened global tensions.