Is Russia behind Iranian strikes on CIA assets in Gulf? Kremlin keeps mum as US probes claim
The US investigation comes as these Iranian drone strikes were marked by their effectiveness and precision, which officials cite as 'possible evidence'
The United States is conducting an investigation into allegations that Russia provided assistance to Iran for targeting CIA assets in Gulf nations. This probe is examining potential transfers of sensitive data and advanced drone technology from Russia to Iran, with US intelligence analysts considering the precision of recent Iranian drone strikes as possible evidence of Russian involvement. While broader Russian support for Iran has been previously reported, this specific allegation of direct involvement in attacks on CIA facilities is a new development. Known targeted CIA-linked locations include the US embassy in Riyadh and a site in eastern Iraq, and there is speculation that Iran may have used enhanced drones incorporating Russian technological assistance.
The United States is conducting an investigation into allegations that Russia provided assistance to Iran for targeting CIA assets in Gulf nations. This probe is examining potential transfers of sensitive data and advanced drone technology from Russia to Iran, with US intelligence analysts considering the precision of recent Iranian drone strikes as possible evidence of Russian involvement. While broader Russian support for Iran has been previously reported, this specific allegation of direct involvement in attacks on CIA facilities is a new development. Known targeted CIA-linked locations include the US embassy in Riyadh and a site in eastern Iraq, and there is speculation that Iran may have used enhanced drones incorporating Russian technological assistance.
The United States is conducting an investigation into allegations that Russia provided assistance to Iran for targeting CIA assets in Gulf nations. This probe is examining potential transfers of sensitive data and advanced drone technology from Russia to Iran, with US intelligence analysts considering the precision of recent Iranian drone strikes as possible evidence of Russian involvement. While broader Russian support for Iran has been previously reported, this specific allegation of direct involvement in attacks on CIA facilities is a new development. Known targeted CIA-linked locations include the US embassy in Riyadh and a site in eastern Iraq, and there is speculation that Iran may have used enhanced drones incorporating Russian technological assistance.
The US is looking into alleged Russian assistance provided to Iran to target CIA assets in the Gulf nations. When asked for a response, Kremlin did not comment on the claim.
Four sources close to US intelligence told Reuters that American analysts are yet to reach a conclusion while the involvement of Moscow in the drone strikes on CIA facilities are under probe. The investigators are look at two aspects, including sharing of sensitive data with Iran and transfer of advanced drone technology.
The US investigation comes as these Iranian drone strikes were marked by their effectiveness and precision, which officials cite as "possible evidence".
Earlier reports had revealed that Moscow has been providing broader assistance to Tehran. However, Russia's alleged direct involvement in attacks on CIA facilities is a fresh revelation.
The two known CIA-linked locations attacked by Iran were the US embassy in Riyadh and another one in Iraq's eastern region. However, other CIA-linked sites targeted by Iran and the total number of such locations remain unknown.
During the attack in Riyadh, one drone created an opening in the building while another entered through the opening before detonating. This has prompted Western officials to speculate that Iran might have used enhanced versions of the Shahed drones manufactured using Russian technological assistance.
In March, The Wall Street Journal reported that Russia provided Iran with Kometa-M, an advanced satellite navigation system, which is more accurate and difficult to jam than the one produced by Iran.
This comes as the US military conducted a 12th night of strikes against Iran, with the US Central Command saying the attacks aimed to "further degrade Iran's ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting regional waters."