U.S. intelligence analysts are investigating whether Russia provided technical or intelligence support for recent Iranian drone strikes on CIA facilities in the Persian Gulf. According to four sources familiar with the matter, the investigation is focusing on whether Russia provided advanced drone technology or precise targeting information. While analysts noted the precision of the strikes, they have not yet reached a final conclusion regarding Russian involvement.
The investigation follows drone strikes in March that targeted at least two CIA sites: a station located within the U.S. embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and a facility in eastern Iraq. Western officials in the region reported that the Riyadh attack involved Iranian Shahed drones allegedly enhanced with Russian satellite navigation systems. No casualties were reported in the embassy strike, though two U.S. soldiers were killed in a separate strike on a base in Jordan last weekend.
Internal intelligence memos and regional officials suggest that Russia may have supplied Iran with Kometa-M satellite navigation units, which improve drone accuracy and resistance to jamming. The Kremlin has previously denied reports of providing such technology, calling them "fake news." The White House referred inquiries to the CIA, which declined to comment, while representatives for Iran and Russia did not respond to requests for comment.