US Probes Possible Russian Role in Iranian Drone Strikes on CIA Sites

U.S. intelligence officials are investigating whether Russia helped Iran carry out drone attacks on CIA facilities in the Middle East by supplying targeting intelligence or advanced drone technology, according to four people familiar with the matter. While investigators have not reached definitive conclusions, analysts are examining whether Russia’s long-standing military cooperation with Iran contributed to the precision of the strikes.

The investigation centers on multiple Iranian drone attacks that targeted CIA facilities in the Gulf region, including a CIA station located within the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and another site in eastern Iraq. Sources indicated that additional CIA locations may also have been struck, although the exact number and locations remain classified.

A Western intelligence memo, described by a regional official with knowledge of the document, reportedly concluded that Russia likely played a role in helping identify or target CIA facilities. Two Western officials briefed on intelligence assessments said the Riyadh attack appeared to involve upgraded Iranian Shahed drones enhanced with Russian technology. According to those officials, one drone breached a vulnerable section of the embassy’s exterior, allowing a second drone to enter and detonate inside. No casualties were reported.

Intelligence analysts are also examining whether Russia supplied targeting data for the embassy strike. However, officials cautioned that Iran may have intended to hit the broader U.S. Embassy complex rather than the CIA station specifically.

The scrutiny follows broader reports that Russia has provided Iran with military assistance during the ongoing regional conflict. Analysts believe Moscow has helped improve the accuracy of Iran’s Shahed-136 drones by supplying the Kometa-M satellite navigation system, which is considered more resistant to electronic jamming than Iran’s domestic technology. Russia has denied previous reports about providing the navigation system.

The White House referred questions to the CIA, which declined to comment. Iran’s mission to the United Nations, Russia’s Defense Ministry, and Saudi authorities did not respond to requests for comment.

Former CIA station chief Daniel Hoffman said deeper Russian involvement would be consistent with Moscow’s strategic partnership with Tehran, noting that both countries share an interest in weakening U.S. influence across the Middle East.