By Ariana Zaman
Deshi Tribune
MIDDLE EAST — Russia has reportedly been providing Iran with intelligence about the locations of American military forces in the Middle East, according to several officials familiar with the matter. The information is said to include the positions of U.S. warships and aircraft operating in the region, potentially helping Iran plan attacks on American forces during the ongoing conflict.
Officials said the intelligence-sharing began after the latest round of fighting erupted last weekend between the United States, Israel, and Iran. If confirmed, the move would represent the first sign that another major global power may be indirectly supporting Iran during the conflict.
According to sources, Russia has passed along details about U.S. military assets since the fighting intensified on Saturday. The reported information includes the locations of naval vessels and military aircraft operating in the Middle East. One official described the assistance as a “broad and coordinated effort,” though the full extent of Russia’s involvement remains unclear.
The Russian Embassy in Washington did not respond to requests for comment. Moscow has previously called for an end to the war and has described the conflict as an act of aggression.
The fighting has already resulted in casualties. Officials said six American service members were killed and several others injured after an Iranian drone strike targeted a facility used by U.S. forces in Kuwait on Sunday.
Since the conflict began, Iran has launched thousands of attack drones and hundreds of missiles toward American military sites, diplomatic missions, and other targets across the region. At the same time, a joint military campaign by the United States and Israel has struck more than 2,000 targets inside Iran, including missile bases, naval equipment, and
other military infrastructure.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said Iranian forces were suffering heavy losses but did not directly address the reports about possible Russian assistance.
U.S. defense officials have declined to comment publicly on the intelligence-sharing claims. When asked about the roles of Russia and China during the conflict, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said those countries were “not really a factor” at the moment.
Two officials familiar with the situation also said there is currently no clear evidence that China has provided military support to Iran during the conflict.
Military analysts say Iran’s recent attacks appear unusually precise, striking radar systems and command facilities used to coordinate regional defences. Experts say such accurate targeting could be possible if Iran received satellite imagery or intelligence from countries with more advanced space capabilities.
Iran currently operates only a limited number of military satellites, while Russia maintains a far larger network of surveillance satellites capable of tracking military activity.
The situation also reflects the complex geopolitical alignments formed in recent years. During the war in Ukraine, Iran supplied Russia with drone technology that Moscow used in attacks on Ukrainian cities. The United States, meanwhile, has provided Ukraine with military equipment and intelligence to help counter Russian forces.
Some analysts believe Russia may now be assisting Iran partly in response to Western support for Ukraine. Despite that possibility, experts say Russia is unlikely to become directly involved in the conflict, as it remains heavily focused on its ongoing war in Ukraine.
