The U.S. Department of Justice has issued subpoenas to the Wall Street Journal as part of an investigation into potential leaks of classified national security information, according to multiple reports.

The subpoenas are connected to a Journal article that disclosed internal government deliberations regarding the risks of potential military action against Iran. The specific details of what information the Justice Department is seeking through the subpoenas have not been publicly disclosed.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that news organizations "should not be surprised" if they receive subpoenas for information related to their sources on stories involving national security-sensitive material. This comment suggests the administration may take a more aggressive approach toward investigating media coverage of classified information.

Press freedom advocates have expressed concern about the Justice Department's actions, viewing the subpoenas as potentially chilling to investigative journalism. The use of subpoenas to compel news organizations to reveal source information has long been a contentious issue between the government and media organizations.

The case highlights ongoing tensions between national security concerns and press freedom protections. Previous administrations have faced similar criticism when pursuing leak investigations that involved subpoenaing journalists or news organizations for information about their reporting processes and sources.