US probes if Russia gave Iran drone tech for CIA facility attacks

U.S. intelligence analysts are scrutinizing evidence to determine if Russia supplied Iran with targeting data or sophisticated drone technology used in recent attacks against CIA facilities in the Gulf region. The investigation, based on information from four sources familiar with the matter, is ongoing, Reuters reported.

Sources speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the issue indicated that U.S. agencies have not yet reached a firm conclusion regarding the extent of potential Russian involvement. However, they are considering the accuracy of the attacks and Moscow's broader technical assistance to Tehran as key indicators. This specific inquiry into Russian participation in attacks targeting CIA installations had not been previously disclosed.

Reuters and other international outlets have previously reported, with confirmation from U.S. officials, that Russia has provided Iran with targeting support and other forms of aid for strikes against American interests in the region. At least two CIA facilities were reportedly attacked in March, including the agency's station in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, located within the U.S. Embassy, and a separate facility in eastern Iraq. Some sources suggested other CIA installations may have also been hit, though details were not provided.

An internal report from a Western intelligence service, described by a regional official, suggests Russia likely played a role in targeting these regional CIA facilities. Two Western officials in the Gulf stated that the Saudi attack involved two modified Iranian Shahed drones enhanced with Russian technology. The first drone reportedly breached a vulnerable point at the embassy, allowing the second to detonate inside. No casualties were reported.