US probes Russian backing in Iran CIA strikes

U.S. intelligence agencies are investigating whether Russia aided Iran with targeting data or advanced drone technology for attacks on CIA facilities in the Gulf, though officials have not reached firm conclusions. The March strikes hit multiple CIA sites, including the CIA station inside the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh and a facility in eastern Iraq, prompting scrutiny of the attacks’ apparent precision. Western and U.S. officials have long acknowledged Russia’s broader technical support for Iran, which now factors into the new probe of possible direct Russian involvement. Some assessments point to the Kometa-M satellite navigation system as a means to improve Shahed-136 drone accuracy, even under jamming. Investigators are considering whether Iran’s targeted strikes reflect Russian help beyond general backing, while others suggest the embassy attack could have been broader Iranian targeting or chance. The inquiry highlights a wider U.S. effort to understand external collaboration that could undermine American influence in the Middle East.