US intelligence agencies are investigating whether Russia assisted Iran by providing targeting information or advanced drone technology used in attacks on CIA facilities in the Gulf, according to four people familiar with the matter.
The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the investigation, said intelligence officials have not reached any firm conclusions about possible Russian involvement.
However, investigators are examining the apparent precision and effectiveness of the drone strikes, as well as Russia’s broader military and technical cooperation with Iran, as potential indicators of support.
Previous reports by Reuters and other media, acknowledged by US officials, have said Russia has provided targeting assistance and other support for Iranian strikes against US interests in the Gulf region. However, the ongoing investigation into Moscow’s possible role in attacks specifically targeting CIA facilities has not previously been reported.
According to Reuters and other media reports, at least two CIA facilities were struck in March, including the agency’s station at the US Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and another site in eastern Iraq.
Some of the sources said additional CIA facilities were also targeted but declined to provide further details.
US intelligence agencies continue to assess the evidence and have not publicly attributed the attacks to any direct Russian involvement.