CIA Analyst Accused of Leaking Israeli Military Plans Ordered to Remain in Custody

Asif Rahman faces Espionage Act charges for allegedly leaking classified documents that delayed an Israeli strike on Iran.

Asif Rahman, a 34-year-old CIA analyst, has been charged under the Espionage Act for allegedly leaking classified U.S. intelligence regarding Israeli military preparations for a strike on Iran.
A federal judge reversed a prior decision to release Rahman on pretrial restrictions, citing national security risks and the potential for further disclosures.
Prosecutors allege Rahman leaked the documents in October via a pro-Iranian Telegram channel, which reportedly caused Israel to delay its planned military action against Iran.
Rahman’s alleged motive was described as ideological rather than financial, as he has access to significant family wealth and a multimillion-dollar trust fund.
Defense attorneys dispute the severity of the leak's impact and plan to appeal the detention order, arguing that Rahman poses no ongoing threat and that evidence against him is circumstantial.