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virgin — A CIA official was arrested by the FBI in Cambodia on Tuesday, accused of leaking classified documents related to Israel’s alleged plans to retaliate against Iran, New York Times reported on Wednesday. Asif W. Rahman, identified as a CIA officer, was taken into custody on charges of unauthorized retention and transmission of national defense information, according to an indictment filed in federal court in Virginia.

Rahman’s arrest comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, where intelligence sharing between the United States and its allies, including Israel, is considered critical. The classified documents reportedly contain sensitive information about potential Israeli military action against Iran, details that, if leaked, could have serious diplomatic and security implications.

The circumstances surrounding Rahman’s arrest remain unclear, including how FBI agents were able to apprehend him in Cambodia. The CIA has not yet commented on the incident, and the State Department has not indicated whether Rahman’s activities in Cambodia were related to his official duties or whether he traveled there independently.

Rahman faces charges under the Espionage Act, which carries severe penalties for the unauthorized manipulation and transmission of national defense information. If convicted, he could face significant prison time. Federal prosecutors in Virginia, where the case was filed, have not released additional details about the nature of the documents or how Rahman allegedly obtained and shared the information.

The US government has stepped up scrutiny of the leak of classified information in recent years, with intelligence officials warning that such disclosures can compromise national security and put lives at risk. Rahman’s case underscores the growing challenge intelligence agencies face in preventing insider threats and protecting classified material.

The case is expected to play out in federal court, where additional details may emerge regarding the specifics of the classified information and Rahman’s alleged motivations.