US suspects Russia aided Iran in Gulf drone attacks on CIA sites

U.S. intelligence services are examining the possibility that Russia aided Iran in recent drone attacks against Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) facilities in the Persian Gulf. According to a Reuters investigation citing intelligence sources, Moscow is suspected of supplying critical targeting data and advanced military technology for Iranian drones.

While U.S. intelligence has not reached a definitive conclusion, the unusual precision of the attacks and Russia's existing technical support for Iran are being evaluated as potential evidence of cooperation. Sources indicate that at least two CIA facilities were hit in March: a station within the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and a location in eastern Iraq. Western officials suggest that Shahed drones used in the Riyadh attack were modified with Russian support, with one drone breaching the embassy's outer wall before another penetrated the opening and detonated inside.

Sources suggest Russia may have equipped Iranian Shahed-136 drones with Kometa-M satellite navigation systems, which are more jam-resistant and significantly more accurate than original Iranian versions. The Kremlin has previously denied such accusations. Daniel Hoffman, a former CIA station chief, stated that both Russia and Iran have a common interest in reducing U.S. influence in their perceived spheres of influence. He noted that the exchange of such high-level, classified information is not surprising given the strengthening strategic partnership between Moscow and Tehran.

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Au un interes comun în încercarea de a reduce sau de a elimina complet influența SUA în sferele lor de influență auto-declarate.