US Intelligence Probes Possible Russian Assistance to Iran in Attacks on CIA Facilities

US intelligence analysts are investigating the possibility that Russia provided assistance to Iran's military in carrying out attacks on CIA facilities in the Persian Gulf region. On Wednesday, July 22, Reuters reported, citing four sources, that assessments are underway whether Russia transferred target information or advanced drone technology.

No final conclusions have been reached regarding Russia's possible involvement. However, potential evidence includes the effectiveness and apparent precision of the strikes, as well as Russia's extensive technical support to Iran. Suspicion increased after a ballistic missile attack on a US airbase in Jordan on July 17 that killed two soldiers.

Analysts note that Russia is one of the few countries capable of using secret information to harm US interests and has a motive to do so. Allegations of Russia's possible role in attacks on CIA facilities in the Middle East are also cited in an internal memo from a Western intelligence agency. Two Western officials working in Gulf states and familiar with intelligence reports, citing analysts, claim that a March attack on a CIA facility located inside the US embassy in Saudi Arabia was carried out using two Iranian Shahed drones upgraded by Russia. Some sources suggest Iran may have been targeting the embassy and only accidentally struck the CIA facility.