Russia Provides Targeting Data On US Warships To Iran Amid Escalating War In Middle East, Report Says

Russia has reportedly provided Iran with intelligence on the locations and movements of U.S. troops, warships and aircraft in the Middle East, according to several people familiar with U.S. intelligence assessments cited by media reports.

The information reportedly includes satellite imagery from Russia’s reconnaissance satellites.

The development suggests Moscow may be indirectly supporting Iran during the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel. However, it is not clear whether any Iranian attacks have used Russian-provided intelligence.

Officials familiar with U.S. intelligence reporting told the Washington Post that Russia shared targeting information that included the locations of U.S. warships and aircraft operating in the Middle East.

One source said much of the intelligence came from Russia’s satellite network capable of tracking military movements from space.

However, officials said it remains unclear what Russia is receiving in return for the assistance. The Kremlin has not publicly confirmed the intelligence sharing.

The Russian government said it is in contact with Iran’s leadership but did not provide details when asked whether Moscow was assisting Tehran militarily.

The reports came days after an Iranian drone struck a temporary facility housing U.S. troops in Kuwait.

The drone hit a U.S. military facility in Port Shuaiba, killing six U.S. reserve soldiers. U.S. officials said the strike involved an Iranian drone, but it is not known whether Russian intelligence was used in the attack.

Several Iranian drones have reportedly hit locations where U.S. troops were present in recent days.

Officials also said Iran’s ability to track U.S. forces has weakened after recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets.

Those strikes reportedly targeted Iranian military and surveillance infrastructure. As a result, Iran may be relying more on external intelligence to locate U.S. forces in the region.

The conflict escalated after U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iranian targets last week, prompting retaliatory missile and drone strikes from Tehran.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington is closely monitoring possible intelligence sharing between Iran and other countries.

He said U.S. leaders are aware of communications between foreign governments and Iran and are responding where necessary.

At the same time, officials have suggested Russia and China are not directly involved in the conflict.

U.S. intelligence agencies also believe China could be preparing to assist Iran with financial support, spare parts and missile components.

Sources said China remains cautious about becoming directly involved but is concerned about disruptions to energy supplies. China imports large amounts of Iranian oil and has reportedly urged Tehran to ensure safe passage for ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

About 20% of global oil shipments pass through this narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman.

Russia and Iran have strengthened military cooperation over the past three years, especially during the war in Ukraine.

Iran has supplied Russia with Shahed drones and short-range ballistic missiles used against Ukrainian targets. Tehran has also helped set up a drone manufacturing facility in Russia to produce Iranian-designed drones.

In return, Iran has reportedly sought Russian assistance to strengthen its nuclear program and other military capabilities.

References: Reuters, CNN