NOTE: VIDEO AT THE END OF ARTICLE
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Wednesday that the FBI has launched a full-scale internal investigation following the leak of a top-secret Pentagon intelligence assessment on the recent U.S. airstrikes in Iran.
The leak, first reported by CNN, suggested that the deployment of 14 massive “bunker buster” bombs on Iranian nuclear sites may have only delayed the country’s nuclear ambitions by a few months — far less than expected. The Biden administration immediately disputed the report, branding it a worst-case scenario based on “low confidence” assessments.
In a defiant press briefing, Hegseth described the mission as “flawless” and suggested the leak was politically motivated. “This was a preliminary, top-secret report — not final, not verified, and not high-confidence. It’s being spun by people who want to undercut a decisive U.S. success,” Hegseth stated.
The secretary confirmed that the Pentagon and FBI are working in tandem to identify the source of the breach. “We are treating this leak with the utmost seriousness. Whoever disclosed this report — whether maliciously or recklessly — will be held fully accountable,” Hegseth warned.
Criticism of the leak was echoed by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who posted on X: “The leaker is an anonymous, low-level loser trying to make our president and military heroes look bad. This mission was a total obliteration — textbook execution.”
Leavitt continued, “Fourteen 30,000-pound bombs don’t delay — they destroy. The narrative being pushed by CNN and others is political, not factual.”
The leaked Pentagon assessment conflicts with other global intelligence reports. The Israel Atomic Energy Commission claims the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran’s Fordow facility “destroyed critical infrastructure and rendered the enrichment site inoperable.” Israeli officials reportedly believe Iran’s nuclear program has been set back by at least two years — assuming no future intervention.
Meanwhile, questions remain about who had access to the classified report and how it reached the media. The leak has escalated tensions between the Department of Defense and media outlets, with several administration officials suggesting possible legal action.
As the FBI begins its hunt for the leaker, insiders say multiple military and civilian personnel are under scrutiny. The fallout could be swift — and severe.
Sarah Mitchell is a bestselling novelist recognized for her insightful and emotionally resonant stories that explore the complexities of human relationships. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Sarah grew up in a family of teachers who nurtured her curiosity and love for storytelling. She studied psychology at Stanford University, where she became fascinated by the intricacies of human behavior—an interest that would later shape her writing career. Sarah’s novels are praised for their nuanced characters, intricate plots, and ability to capture the subtle tensions that define love, friendship, and family ties. Her breakthrough novel, The Spaces Between Us, became an instant bestseller, lauded for its honest portrayal of strained family relationships and the fragile bonds that hold people together. Since then, she has published several works that continue to captivate audiences around the world. Outside of her writing career, Sarah is passionate about mental health advocacy and often partners with organizations to promote awareness and support for those struggling with emotional well-being. Her personal life is quieter—she enjoys hiking in the Colorado mountains, practicing yoga, and spending time with close friends. With each new book, Sarah Mitchell cements her reputation as a writer who illuminates the beauty and struggles of human connection.
