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A Ukrainian intelligence assessment has revealed that Russian satellites conducted at least 24 detailed reconnaissance missions over 11 Middle Eastern countries between March 21 and 31, surveying 46 strategic locations to help Iran carry out precision strikes against American forces and allied targets. The findings represent the most comprehensive picture yet of covert Russian support for Iran following the February 28 assault by Israel and the United States.
According to the assessment reviewed by Reuters, the surveyed locations included U.S. military bases, airports, and oil fields. A striking pattern emerged: within days of Russian satellite passes, Iranian ballistic missiles and drones struck the exact locations that had been imaged. A Western military source and a regional security contact independently corroborated that Russian satellite activity in the region was unusually intense and that the imagery was being shared with Tehran.
Saudi Arabia received the most surveillance attention, with nine passes conducted over its territory. Five of those targeted the King Khalid Military City, reportedly to identify the U.S.-built THAAD missile defense system. Other countries surveyed included Turkey, Jordan, Kuwait, the UAE, Israel, Qatar, Iraq, Bahrain, and Diego Garcia. Russian satellites were also reportedly monitoring the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
The intelligence exchange is reportedly facilitated through a dedicated communications channel and may involve Russian military intelligence officers based in Tehran, a relationship formalized under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership treaty signed by Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in January 2024.
Beyond satellite coordination, Russian and Iranian hacker groups have been collaborating on cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure and telecommunications networks across the Gulf region, sharing tools, credentials, and tactics through encrypted messaging platforms.
