US investigators in August administered polygraph tests to 50 military officers and civilian officials following leaks concerning depleted American munitions stocks amid US war on Iran, according to multiple US media reports.
The probe targeted personnel with the Joint Staff, a group of senior military leaders advising the president, focusing on leaks regarding shortages of long-range missiles and Patriot interceptors due to the war with Iran, The New York Times reported.
A CBS News report revealed that the FBI was not involved in conducting the tests, as the military utilised its internal investigators.
Not all senior leaders were tested, with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine being excluded from the sweep.
US President Donald Trump is said to be furious about the unauthorised disclosures.
Those subjected to polygraphs were questioned on whether they leaked information to journalists regarding critical ammunition shortages amid tensions between the US and Iran.
No officials failed the polygraph questions designed to determine if they leaked information to the media, according to CBS News.
Pentagon refuses to speak on probe
Investigators were also concerned about whether a government official was potentially operating as a foreign spy because access to the specific munitions data was highly restricted, it said.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the agency "does not comment on internal personnel or investigative matters" but takes classified leaks "extremely seriously and investigates accordingly."
Trump denied the reported strategic shortages, insisting the military possesses "massive amounts" of weaponry.
Trump labelled the disclosures as "treasonous statements" and "fake news," warning that those responsible would be "hunted down" and face severe prison sentences.
The polygraph sweep followed separate unauthorised disclosures, including a leaked portion of the Secretary of Defense Orders Book.
The document showed six four-star leaders formally expressing dissent about extending the war against Iran, warning it is "unsustainable" and erodes global readiness.
Parnell condemned the leak as a "crime" and "a betrayal of the force" and said much of the reporting was inaccurate.
