Hackers believed to be linked to Iran have compromised the personal email account of FBI Director Kash Patel, releasing photos and documents online, according to the group and U.S. officials.

The hacking group, calling itself Handala Hack Team, claimed responsibility for the breach and published a series of personal images along with what it said were hundreds of emails. The materials appear to include both personal and professional correspondence dating from 2010 to 2019.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation confirmed the incident, with spokesperson Ben Williamson stating that authorities had taken steps to mitigate any risks. He added that the compromised data was “historical in nature” and did not include classified or sensitive government information.

Handala, which portrays itself as a pro-Palestinian hacktivist group, is widely believed by Western cybersecurity analysts to be linked to Iranian cyber operations. The group has recently claimed responsibility for other cyberattacks, including a breach involving medical technology company Stryker and the alleged release of employee data from defense contractor Lockheed Martin.

Reuters was unable to independently verify the authenticity of the leaked emails, though the email address cited by the hackers appears consistent with previously exposed data associated with Patel.

Cybersecurity experts say the operation reflects a broader strategy by Iranian-linked actors to target high-profile U.S. officials, aiming to expose personal information and undermine confidence.

“These types of attacks are designed to embarrass officials and make them feel vulnerable,” said a cybersecurity analyst from Check Point.

The breach comes amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, with cyber operations increasingly emerging as a parallel front in the broader conflict.