Multiple American officials have reported that the United States has collected intelligence indicating that key Iranian leaders were surprised by the Hamas attack in Israel. This information has led U.S. officials to doubt Iran's direct involvement in planning the assault. While the U.S., Israel, and regional allies have not found evidence of Iran directly aiding in the attack, officials acknowledge that the investigation is ongoing and more evidence may emerge.

The officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated that the Iranian officials expressing surprise at the attack are individuals who are typically aware of operations involving the Quds Force, Iran's paramilitary arm that supports and works with proxy forces. They emphasized that the intelligence investigation is continuing and could potentially uncover evidence of Iran's or other states' direct involvement in the Hamas operation. Senior officials have stated that they are keeping an open mind and are reviewing old intelligence reports while seeking new information.

Although Iran has a long history of providing weapons and support to Hamas, U.S. officials clarify that this does not necessarily indicate direct knowledge and involvement in the recent attack. Morgan Muir, a senior U.S. intelligence official, informed Congress members during a briefing that there was no direct link between Iran and the Hamas attack. However, he provided few details and indicated that U.S. agencies had collected intelligence contradicting claims of Iranian involvement.

The U.S. and its allies regularly monitor meetings between Quds Force leaders and their proxies and allies, including Hamas. However, officials have not found evidence to suggest that these meetings were used to plan the attack in Israel. While acknowledging the possibility of undisclosed secret meetings, officials have not found evidence of such gatherings thus far.

Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, stated that the U.S. will continue to investigate Iran's role and knowledge of the attack. He reiterated that Iran's broad complicity in funding and supporting Hamas does not necessarily indicate direct involvement in the recent assault.

In response to criticism from some members of the Republican Party who accuse the Biden administration of being soft on Iran, President Biden has faced criticism for attempting to revive a nuclear deal with Iran and negotiating the release of prisoners. Former President Donald J. Trump and other Republicans have wrongly claimed that the funds released to Iran helped finance the Hamas attack. However, officials clarify that the $6 billion released to Iran is not U.S. taxpayer money and is subject to oversight by the Treasury Department.

Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen has not ruled out freezing the $6 billion in Iranian funds if it is determined that Iran was involved in the attack. The U.S. has also deployed an aircraft carrier to the region to deter Iran or its proxies from initiating further aggression.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to travel to Israel to meet with senior Israeli officials and show solidarity and support. The State Department has confirmed that 22 American citizens have been killed in Israel, with the whereabouts of 20 citizens still unknown. Some individuals may have been taken hostage by Hamas.