The Justice Department has issued subpoenas to The Wall Street Journal as part of an ongoing leak investigation.
The subpoenas relate to a Journal article that detailed internal deliberations about the risks of military action in Iran.
Critics have raised concerns over press freedom following the disclosure.
The news has reignited debates about government oversight of journalists and their sources.
The Journal confirmed it received the subpoenas and disclosed the development publicly.
First Amendment advocates argue the move threatens the ability of reporters to gather sensitive information.
Officials have not commented on the specific nature of the investigation.
The case adds to a growing list of leak probes targeting major news organizations.
Legal experts predict a potential court battle over the scope of the subpoenas.
The Justice Department declined to provide further details at this time.
