US Probes Russia’s Role in Iran’s Attacks on CIA Sites
US intelligence is examining whether Russia helped Iran improve Shahed drones and provided targeting support for attacks on CIA sites in the Gulf region.
US intelligence agencies are investigating whether Russia was involved in Iranian drone attacks on CIA facilities in the Persian Gulf region. According to Reuters, analysts are examining claims that Moscow may have supplied Tehran with targeting data and more advanced drone technology.
The US intelligence community has not reached a final conclusion. The theory is reportedly based on the accuracy and effectiveness of the strikes, as well as Russia’s broader technical support for Iran. Four US intelligence sources discussed the assessment with the news agency.
At least two CIA sites were attacked in March. One was located in Saudi Arabia and the other in eastern Iraq. Some Reuters sources referred to additional incidents but did not provide details. One source said Iran had targeted several facilities, though fewer than ten.
Two Western officials in the Persian Gulf who had reviewed intelligence reports said the Saudi Arabia attack may have involved two versions of Iranian Shahed drones that had allegedly been upgraded by Russia.
Under this scenario, the first drone struck a vulnerable section of the embassy’s outer wall. A second aircraft then passed through the opening and exploded inside.
Another source claimed that Moscow had helped Tehran improve the accuracy of Shahed-136 drones. Iran may have received the Kometa-M satellite navigation system, which provides more precise guidance and is more resistant to electronic jamming.