US intelligence analysts are investigating whether Russia provided targeting data or advanced technology to assist Iran in drone strikes on CIA facilities.
US intelligence analysts are currently investigating whether Russia provided critical targeting information or advanced drone technology to assist Iran in striking several CIA facilities in the Gulf. While the administration has not yet reached a firm conclusion, the precision of the strikes suggests significant Moscow involvement. At least two CIA sites were hit in March, including a station in the US embassy in Riyadh and a facility in eastern Iraq. Analysts believe the Riyadh strike featured Russian-enhanced versions of Iran’s Shahed drones, which allowed one aircraft to breach the embassy exterior while a second detonated inside. Additionally, Russia may have supplied the Kometa-M satellite navigation system to improve the accuracy of Iran's Shahed-136 drones. While some officials suggest Iran may have struck the CIA station by chance, many experts believe only Russia possessed the specific capability and motivation to provide such sensitive targeting data. Daniel Hoffman, a former CIA station chief, noted that Moscow's assistance reflects a shared interest in reducing US influence within their respective spheres of influence.