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By Amir Daftari
News Reporter
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Iran's intelligence minister has said the country holds a vast trove of classified Israeli documents and plans to release them soon. The files detail Israel's nuclear program, foreign relations, and defense capabilities, according to state media.
The Israeli government has not commented on the claim, which comes amid rising tensions between the two countries and renewed scrutiny of Iran's own nuclear activities.
Newsweek has reached out to the Iranian and Israeli foreign ministries for comment.
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Why It Matters
The disclosure adds a new layer of uncertainty to a region already on edge. Any release of secret Israeli nuclear data could destabilize diplomatic relations, provoke military retaliation, or undermine U.S.-led negotiations with Tehran. The episode also highlights the deepening mistrust between Iran and the West over nuclear ambitions, espionage, and covert operations.
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What To Know
Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib said Tehran had acquired thousands of Israeli documents, describing them as a "treasure trove" capable of strengthening Iran's strategic position. He said the materials had been transferred under heavy secrecy to secure locations in Iran and would be published "soon."
"Talking of thousands of documents would be an understatement," Khatib said, adding that the transfer required "confidential" methods and a period of "media silence," according to Iran's state broadcaster.
Cyber Attacks and Espionage
Iran has not revealed how it obtained the documents it says it has or if they relate to the 2023 cyberattack on an Israeli nuclear center. State media called the transfer part of a wider intelligence campaign, highlighting its secrecy and complexity. Recent arrests of Israelis accused of spying for Tehran, though not officially linked, have raised speculation of a connection.
Meanwhile, a social media account closely linked to Iran's armed forces also posted a message in Hebrew shortly after the announcement, stating: "We know all your secrets now." The post appeared to signal a coordinated effort to amplify Tehran's claims and increase psychological pressure on Israeli officials.
Trita Parsi, Executive Vice President of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft and a leading expert on Middle East geopolitics, told Newsweek that "an intelligence war has been ongoing between Israel and Iran," and that based on recent arrests in Israel, "it does appear as if Tehran has succeeded in recruiting a large number of informants in Israel." He added, "Whether the documents Tehran claims it has obtained come from those recruits and whether they contain important revelations, remains to be seen."
Regional Conflict
The announcement is the latest salvo in a protracted campaign of hostilities between Iran and Israel. Iran has blamed Israel for assassinating its nuclear scientists, while Israel accuses Tehran of arming regional militias targeting Israeli assets. Last year, the two exchanged limited strikes after Israel bombed Iran's consulate in Damascus. Though escalation was avoided, tensions remain high.
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Nuclear Diplomacy
Those tensions now intersect with renewed international scrutiny of Iran's nuclear program. Just as Tehran threatens to expose Israeli secrets, a recent report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) accused Iran of carrying out undeclared nuclear activities. While Iran maintains its ambitions are peaceful, the U.S. has renewed calls for curbs on uranium enrichment and greater transparency.
Negotiations between Washington and Tehran remain stalled, with Iran saying the latest U.S. proposal does not include the lifting of sanctions—a core demand for Tehran—signaling a potential deadlock. Iran is expected to submit a counteroffer soon.
What People Are Saying
Trita Parsi, Executive Vice President of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, told Newsweek: "Tehran may seek to shed a spotlight on Israel's undeclared nuclear weapons program. But unlike Iran, Israel is not a party to the NPT and, as a result, has never committed legally to refrain from building nuclear weapons."
Esmail Khatib, Iranian Intelligence Minister, said, "The transfer of this treasure trove was time-consuming and required security measures... the documents should be unveiled soon."
What Happens Next
Any publication of Israeli documents could escalate diplomatic tensions and reshape regional dynamics—diverting international scrutiny just as nuclear negotiations reach a fragile stage. The IAEA Board of Governors is expected to censure Iran over its nuclear program later this week. Meanwhile, Iran is preparing a counter-proposal after rejecting the U.S. nuclear offer, prompting President Donald Trump to caution that "time is running out."
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