CIA Analyst Sentenced to Prison for Leaking Israeli Strike Plans on Iran

Asif William Rahman, a 34-year-old former CIA analyst, was sentenced to 37 months in prison for leaking classified documents that detailed Israel's plans to strike Iran. He pleaded guilty to charges under the Espionage Act, admitting to the willful retention and transmission of national defense information. Using his security clearance, Rahman printed and sent top-secret documents that later circulated on social media. Authorities revealed that these leaks included crucial assessments regarding Israel's military capabilities, particularly regarding nuclear arms.

The leaks occurred prior to Israel's air strikes on Iran in October 2024, a response to missile attacks from Tehran. The documents were posted on an Iranian-aligned Telegram account, raising alarms within U.S. intelligence circles. Assistant Attorney General John Eisenberg condemned Rahman’s actions as a betrayal of public trust. Former President Joe Biden expressed deep concern over the breach, emphasizing its implications for national security. Rahman was arrested by the FBI in Cambodia and extradited to the U.S. to face charges related to this grave security violation.