US intelligence is investigating Russia’s possible involvement in Iran’s attacks on CIA facilities
US intelligence agencies have launched an investigation into Russia’s possible involvement in Iran’s attacks on US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) facilities in the Persian Gulf. This was reported to Reuters by four sources familiar with the investigation.
According to the sources, US analysts have not yet reached any definitive conclusions regarding Russia’s possible involvement. At the same time, they are examining whether Moscow could have provided Iran with targeting information or technology that might have enhanced the effectiveness and accuracy of the drone strikes.
Reuters notes that there have been previous reports of Russian support for Iran, particularly regarding assistance during strikes on US targets in the region. However, this is the first time that information has been made public regarding a separate investigation into Russia’s possible involvement in attacks specifically targeting CIA facilities.
According to the agency, at least two CIA facilities were attacked in March. One of them is located on the grounds of the US embassy in Riyadh, whilst the other was in eastern Iraq. Some of Reuters’ sources also reported that other facilities had been hit, but did not disclose their number or locations.
One internal document from a Western intelligence service, the contents of which were relayed by an official from the region who had access to it, contains an assessment of Russia’s likely role in selecting targets for attacks on regional CIA facilities. However, the authorship of the document has not been disclosed.
Two Western officials in the Gulf states, who have seen the intelligence material, reported that upgraded versions of Iranian Shahed drones were likely used during the strike on Riyadh. According to them, one drone pierced the outer wall of the building, after which a second drone entered through the hole created and exploded. There were no fatalities or injuries as a result of the attack.
The agency’s sources also suggest that Russia may have helped Iran to upgrade the Shahed drones. In particular, this refers to the possible supply of the Kometa M satellite navigation system, which, according to experts, offers greater accuracy and is better protected against electronic warfare. The Wall Street Journal had previously reported on this, but the Kremlin dismissed the information as false.
US analysts are also investigating whether Iran used Russian guidance data during the attack on the US embassy in Saudi Arabia. At the same time, some of Reuters’ sources caution that there is no conclusive evidence of this. According to one theory, Iranian forces may have targeted the embassy building as a whole, and the CIA facility located there may have been hit by accident.
Former CIA station chief Daniel Hoffman told Reuters that, given the strategic partnership between Moscow and Tehran, Russian involvement would not be surprising. According to him, both countries have an interest in reducing American influence in regions they consider to be within their spheres of interest.
