US intelligence officials are investigating whether Russia helped Iran carry out drone attacks against CIA facilities in the Persian Gulf by providing targeting assistance or advanced technology, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Four sources who spoke on condition of anonymity said intelligence analysts have not reached a final conclusion on whether Moscow was directly involved. However, they said the accuracy and effectiveness of the strikes, combined with Russia’s broader military cooperation with Iran, have raised questions about possible Russian support.
At least two CIA facilities were reportedly hit in March. One was the CIA’s Saudi Arabia residency located inside the US embassy compound in Riyadh, while another was in eastern Iraq. Sources said additional CIA locations may also have been targeted but provided no further details.
According to an internal Western intelligence assessment described by a regional official with access to the document, Moscow likely played a role in helping direct attacks against CIA sites in the region.
Two Western officials in Gulf countries familiar with intelligence reports said analysts believe Iranian Shahed drones upgraded with Russian assistance were used in the attack on the Saudi capital. They said one drone struck a vulnerable section of the embassy structure, creating an opening, while another drone entered through the damaged area and exploded. No injuries or deaths were reported.
