CIA 'uncertain' about Israel's intentions to attack Iran: report
CIA 'uncertain' about Israel's intentions to attack Iran: report
The CIA is uncertain about Israel's intentions to attack Iran over its nuclear programme, according to a leaked report.
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Israel has long said that Iran's nuclear programme must be stopped [Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto via Getty Images]
The USÌýCentral Intelligence Agency (CIA) is in the dark about Israel's intentions to attack Iran over its nuclear programme,ÌýThe Intercept reported, citingÌýa top-secret report that was leaked on the DiscordÌýplatform earlier this year.
The report - which was produced by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence on 23 February - revealed that Israeli forces carried out a major air exercise on 20 February, which was likely meant to simulate an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities.Ìý
It added that the "CIA does not know Israel’s near term plans and intentions," and speculated that Israeli Prime Minister "[Benjamin] Netanyahu probably calculates Israel will need to strike Iran to deter its nuclear program and faces a declining military capability to set back Iran’s enrichment program."
The report calls into question the relationship between the US and its top ally Israel.
Washington has been highly critical of Iran’s nuclear programme and has never ruled out backing an attack on Tehran’s facilities.Ìý
Several Israeli figures in recent weeks have indicated that they would support an attack on Iran.
On Tuesday, chief of Israeli forces Lieutenant-General Herzi Halevi raised the prospect of "action" against Iran. The comments prompted Israeli government officials toÌýdeny that a war against Iran or Hezbollah - a powerful Iran-backed militia in Lebanon - was imminent.Ìý
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