US intelligence has launched a deep investigation to determine whether Russia may have assisted Iran during recent drone attacks on Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) facilities in Persian Gulf countries. This was reported by Reuters citing four informed sources.
Precision of Strikes and Target Selection
Although final conclusions regarding Moscow's direct involvement have not yet been made, analysts have noted the high precision of the strikes and the nature of the military-technical support that Russia has previously provided to Tehran. Specifically, an official familiar with an internal analytical memo from a Western intelligence agency stated that Russia likely played a key role in selecting targets for Iranian drones.
Previously, US officials had already confirmed that Moscow could have helped Iran in strikes against US targets in the region by providing guidance support. However, the investigation into possible Russian assistance specifically in attacks on CIA facilities has become public for the first time.
Attack Details and Equipment Modification
In March, the CIA residency at the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia and another site in eastern Iraq were hit. According to the publication's sources, a total of "more than one but less than ten" CIA facilities were attacked, although the exact number and their locations remain classified.
Analysts suggest that during the attack on the facility in Saudi Arabia, Iran may have used Shahed drones modified with Russian involvement. The attack scenario was extremely sophisticated: one drone pierced a hole in a vulnerable part of the building's external structure, after which a second drone flew through that opening and exploded inside. Fortunately, there were no casualties or injuries as a result of the attack.
"Komet-M" Technologies and Intelligence Data
According to sources, Russia transferred the "Komet-M" satellite navigation system to Iran. This technology significantly increases the accuracy of Shahed-136 strikes and is better protected against electronic warfare measures. US analysts are also studying the hypothesis of whether Iranian military forces could have used Russian data for targeting during the attack on the US Embassy.
Russia and Iran have long-standing military ties, however, the possible use of sensitive intelligence data for strikes against CIA facilities could indicate a qualitatively new, deeper level of cooperation between the two countries.
Strategic Context
Former CIA residency chief Daniel Hoffman stated that such assistance from Moscow would not have been a surprise due to the existing strategic partnership between the two countries. According to him, Russia and Iran share a common interest in attempts to reduce or eliminate US influence in their spheres of influence.
In the opinion of sources, targeted attacks on CIA facilities may indicate Moscow's readiness to go beyond ordinary military-technical support for Tehran and directly contribute to the disruption of US operations in the region. Previously, media reported that Russia could have offered Iran drones protected against electronic warfare measures, as well as training for operators to use UAVs against US military forces.
Against the backdrop of these accusations, it should be noted that Russia has stated its readiness to help the US, Iran, and Persian Gulf countries by providing a platform for peaceful dialogue.
