The United States have reportedly raised concerns about alleged Israeli efforts to gather information on American officials involved in ongoing negotiations with Iran. The move added a new layer of complexity between two close allies. The multiple media reports claimed that the US officials have expressed concern that Israeli intelligence agencies may have increased surveillance activities aimed at understanding Washington’s negotiation with Tehran.
The intelligence concerns reportedly involved several senior American officials connected to the Iran talks, including President Donald Trump’s chief negotiator Steve Witkoff, Pentagon policy chief Elbridge A. Colby and senior defence official Michael P. DiMino IV. The US officials familiar with the assessments said the reported surveillance activity appeared focused on understanding potential shifts in Washington’s approach to negotiations with Iran. The assessment was said to have been prepared by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) with input from other security and military agencies. It reportedly examined multiple incidents involving alleged attempts to monitor US government personnel and military officials.
The reported concerns come despite extensive military and intelligence cooperation between the United States and Israel. Both countries continue to coordinate closely on regional security matters, particularly amid tensions involving Iran. The military collaboration remains extensive through joint operational frameworks and strategic partnerships. However, officials reportedly believe Israel’s interest may have extended beyond conventional security intelligence to gaining insight into the Trump administration’s diplomatic strategy toward Tehran.
However, both Washington and Israel have denied the claims. A White House official dismissed the reports as inaccurate, stating that the allegations were based on information from individuals without direct knowledge of the situation. While, Israel also rejected the accusations. A spokesperson for the Israeli Embassy in Washington said Israeli intelligence operations are directed at adversaries rather than allies and described claims of spying on American officials as either misinformed or politically motivated.