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The FBI said on Tuesday it has launched an investigation into an alleged leak of sensitive documents two days after news outlets reported the exposure of classified US intelligence detailing Israel’s potential plans for an attack on Iran.

“The FBI is investigating the alleged leak of classified documents and working closely with our partners in the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community,” the agency said in a statement. “As this is an ongoing investigation, we have no further comment.”

The information relates to intelligence gleaned from US satellites on preparations for an Israeli air attack on Iran in retaliation for an Oct. 1 missile barrage on the Jewish state.

Conflicting reports emerged on Tuesday over the progress of US investigators and the potential source of a leak.

Sky News Arabia reported on Tuesday citing a Pentagon official that a senior employee in US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s office is suspected of leaking the assessments to Tehran.

The official, the report added, serves within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and holds a security clearance that provides access to highly sensitive information.

But veteran Pentagon correspondent for Fox News Jennifer Griffin said on Tuesday that no suspects in any leak had been identified, calling the Sky News Arabia item “irresponsible reporting.”

“This story is NOT TRUE,” Griffin wrote on X. “I have spoken with the person the reporter alleges was behind the leak of Israeli preparations and she is at work at the Pentagon today, has her security clearance and has NOT been contacted by … investigators”.

The documents, marked as top secret, began circulating online on Friday after being posted on Telegram by an account called “Middle East Spectator.” Dated October 15 and 16, the intelligence were intended for viewing only by the US and its “Five Eyes” allies, which include Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby said on Monday that it remains unclear whether the documents were released due to a leak or a cyber breach. He emphasized that the government does not anticipate any further unauthorized disclosure of classified material.

Senator Roger Wicker on Monday criticized the continued security clearance for Ariane Tabatabai, the chief of staff for the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations.

“The latest apparent leak to an Iranian Telegram channel reflects the Biden-Harris administration’s tolerance of insider threats,” Wicker wrote on X.

There was no evidence linking Tabatabai to any potential leak. The Pentagon has yet to comment on Sky News Arabia’s report.

A September 2023 joint investigation by Semafor and Iran International named Tabatabai as a key figure in a network tasked by Iran’s foreign ministry to echo Tehran’s strategic messaging.