Ukraine Intel: Russia Provides Satellite Imagery to Aid Iran in Attacking US Forces

Reuters has reviewed a Ukrainian intelligence assessment concluding that Russia and Iranian hackers have cooperated in the cyber domain, marking the most detailed record to date of Russian assistance to Iran since Israel and the United States attacked Iran on February 28. The assessment indicates that between March 21 and March 31, Russian satellites conducted at least 24 reconnaissance missions over 11 Middle Eastern countries, covering 46 "targets," including US military bases and other military outposts, as well as facilities like airports and oil fields. Furthermore, the assessment notes that within days of Russian satellites scouting military bases and headquarters, these locations were attacked by Iranian ballistic missiles and drones. A Western military source and a regional security insider told Reuters that their intelligence also shows Russian satellite activity in the region has been very frequent, and the imagery has been shared with Iran. Since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia and Iran have continuously deepened their military relationship. Ukraine and Western countries point out that Iran has supplied Russia with long-range "Shahed" attack drones, which Russia has used to bomb Ukraine while also developing its own improved versions. Iran denies providing weapons for use against Ukraine. Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty in January of last year.