Russia possibly assisted Iran in targeting CIA facilities in the Gulf, analysts say

U.S. intelligence agencies are reviewing recent Iranian drone attacks on CIA facilities in Saudi Arabia for signs of Russian involvement, after the strikes were described as unusually precise. The inquiry follows earlier reports that Moscow may have helped Tehran locate U.S. personnel and aircraft in the Gulf.

"This was kind of what was suspected because a lot of the attacks that Iran did were far more advanced than what they've done before," said Nicole Grajewski, an assistant professor at Sciences Po. She added that Iran lacks the space-based capabilities that Russia possesses, suggesting that Russian assistance could have improved the accuracy of Iranian weapons.

Grajewski noted that the two countries have deepened their defence ties since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, citing a 20-year Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty and the supply of Iranian Shahed drones and Fateh-110 missiles to Moscow. While Russian officials have denied that the treaty creates a formal military alliance, reports indicate that Russia may have provided the Kometa-M anti-jamming navigation system for Iranian Shahed-136 drones.

The United States has continued airstrikes against Iranian targets for a twelfth consecutive night, while Iran has responded with attacks on several Gulf states and Jordan. Grajewski said that, although Russian support could give Iran a marginal edge, the country already possesses a substantial drone and missile arsenal, and its own intelligence networks play a major role in target selection.

"I think the Russians view this as kind of a broader battle for a global order, and they see this as kind of the real cascade that might lead to American decline," Grajewski said, adding that Moscow benefits from a conflict that diverts U.S. attention from Ukraine.