Russia aiding Iran by providing intelligence to target US forces: Report

Russia is reportedly providing intelligence inputs to Iran about the movements and locations of American military assets in the Middle East region amid the escalating crisis, according to multiple reports.

For the first time, this likely indicates Moscow’s direct involvement in the ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States.  Russia is providing Iran with targeting information, the Washington Post reported ​on Friday, citing officials familiar with the matter.

According to multiple people familiar with US intelligence, the information provided by Russia includes details about the positioning of American troops, naval vessels, and aircraft operating in the region, reported CNN.

A significant portion of the information shared by Russia consists of imagery gathered through Moscow’s sophisticated constellation of overhead satellites, one of the sources mentioned.

However, it remains uncertain what Russia might be receiving in return for this assistance.

It is also unclear whether any specific Iranian strike can be linked to Russian targeting intelligence. One source, on condition of anonymity, told The Washington Post that the alleged Russian support amounted to a ‘pretty comprehensive effort’ to help Tehran.

Several Iranian drone strikes have targeted locations where American personnel were stationed. In one such attack, an Iranian drone reportedly struck a makeshift facility housing US troops in Kuwait, resulting in the deaths of six American service members.

“This shows Russia still likes Iran very much,” said one of the intelligence-briefed sources.

US intelligence agencies are also closely monitoring the role of other global powers in the conflict. According to individuals familiar with the matter, there are indications that China may be preparing to offer Iran limited support, including financial assistance, spare military parts, and possibly missile components.

Although Beijing has largely stayed away from direct involvement in the conflict so far, China depends heavily on Iranian oil imports and has reportedly been urging Tehran to ensure that commercial shipping continues safely through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route, the CNN report added.

A source familiar with the situation told CNN, “China is more cautious in its support. It wants the war to end because it endangers their energy supply.”

Meanwhile, US officials have acknowledged that they are closely tracking any external involvement in the war. Speaking with CBS News, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said American authorities are aware of communications and interactions between various countries related to the conflict, adding, “We’re tracking everything.”

“The American people can rest assured their commander-in-chief is well aware of who’s talking to who. And anything that shouldn’t be happening, whether it’s in public or back-channelled, is being confronted and confronted strongly,” he said in the interview airing Sunday.

Russia and Iran have strengthened their military cooperation in recent years.

Over the past three years, Iran has supplied Russia with Shahed drones and short-range ballistic missiles that have reportedly been used in the war in Ukraine.

Tehran has also helped Moscow establish a massive drone factory inside Russia to manufacture Iranian-designed drones.

In return, Iran has reportedly sought Russian assistance to strengthen aspects of its nuclear and military capabilities, reported CNN.

(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)