Tensions in the Middle East have reached a critical point. Since the escalation of the conflict, Iran has repeatedly struck objects of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in the Persian Gulf. Now, American intelligence analysts are focusing on finding a «Russian footprint» in these incidents, suspecting Moscow of transferring advanced technologies and intelligence data to Tehran.
Searching for the Culprits: US Intelligence Data
Four sources involved in the work of US intelligence structures have confirmed that attacks by Iranian drones have prompted a deep investigation. Experts are examining the version that Russia could have provided Iran with accurate information about target coordinates or transferred technologies allowing drones to overcome air defense systems.
According to anonymous insiders, final conclusions about the degree of Russia's participation in these operations have not yet been made. However, facts indicating cooperation are becoming more and more.
Attacks on CIA Objects and the Role of «Shaheds»
According to Reuters, in March at least two CIA objects were attacked. Some sources report damage to other targets, but details of these incidents remain classified. An internal memorandum of a Western intelligence agency, described by an official working in the region, directly points to the possible role of Russia in the attack on regional US intelligence objects.
Two Western officials in the Persian Gulf stated that the attack on Saudi Arabia was carried out using modified versions of Iranian Shahed drones. In their opinion, these improvements were made precisely with the participation of Russian specialists.
Technological Exchange: Navigation and Accuracy
Publication sources report that Moscow is probably ready to expand cooperation to disrupt US deals while Washington tries to end the war in the region. A key element of this assistance was the transfer of technologies to improve the accuracy of strikes.
As a separate source reported, Russia helped Tehran improve the characteristics of Shahed-136 drones by providing the «Komet-M» satellite navigation system. Analysts suspect that it was precisely these improved versions of drones that were used by Iran during the strike on Riyadh.
Conflict Escalation and Allies' Reaction
The situation is getting worse every day. This weekend, Iran launched missile strikes on a US airbase in Jordan, killing two American servicemen. In response to Iranian attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, US military are preparing a corresponding reaction, which threatens further scaling of the conflict.
US allies in the Middle East are convinced that the Donald Trump administration should go all in. Some officials are inclined to persuade the president to intensify the military campaign against Iran, fearing that without decisive action the region may slide into a full-scale war.
