Several U.S. Intelligence Sources: Iranian Officials Surprised by Hamas Attack on Israel

Several U.S. officials say that the United States has intelligence indicating that senior officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran were surprised by Hamas's terrorist attack on Israel. According to CBS News, while the gathering and analysis of information is in its early stages and still ongoing, more information may emerge that contradicts initial assessments. U.S. officials familiar with the matter say it appears that key Iranian officials, who are usually aware of operations in the region, were unaware of the attacks. These U.S. officials declined to provide further details about the identity of the Iranian officials or the nature of the intelligence gathered. On Wednesday morning, October 11, American lawmakers were briefed in a closed session by several intelligence agencies about the situation in Israel and the potential involvement of Iran. Morgan Muir, a senior U.S. intelligence official, also provided similar information to a smaller group on Tuesday. The New York Times first reported that the U.S. has intelligence indicating that the Hamas attack surprised senior Iranian officials. Government officials have stated since the onset of the attacks that Iran has long supported Hamas with financial and logistical assistance, but to date, no evidence has been discovered linking these attacks, which have killed over 1,200 Israelis and injured thousands more, to Tehran. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to Israel on Wednesday to meet with senior Israeli officials as a show of solidarity and support. The State Department confirmed on Wednesday that the number of American citizens killed in Israel has reached 22, with 20 others still missing. Officials stated that some of these individuals may have been taken hostage by Hamas. Also see: The number of Americans killed in the Hamas militants' attack has increased to 22. On the line: The role and approach of the Islamic Republic in the Hamas attack on Israel. Reactions from both parties in the U.S. Congress to the Hamas attack on Israel; Team Burch's reference to Iran's role. U.S. Secretary of Defense: We have no evidence of direct Iranian involvement in the Hamas attack on Israel. The number of Americans killed in the Hamas militants' attack has increased to 22. The U.S. Secretary of State has begun a trip to Israel and Jordan. Hezbollah criticized U.S. support for Israel. Netanyahu and Gantz agreement; a national unity government is formed in Israel.