Russian spy satellites were supposed to help Iran attack the Prince Sultan base
American intelligence services suggest that Moscow provided Tehran with satellite data that enabled a precise attack on an American military base.
Quick Look
- According to CNN reports, Russian spy satellites monitored the Prince Sultan base before the missile attack.
- This data was to be passed on to Iran, enabling a precision strike that injured 12 American soldiers.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Relations between Russia and Iran have strengthened after 2022, especially in the context of the supply of Iranian Shahed drones to the Russian army.
According to CNN, citing American officials and intelligence sources, as many as 14 Russian spy satellites flew over the facility in the days before the attack on the Prince Sultan base. These included an advanced satellite capable of recording high-resolution images, intercepting communications and identifying air defense systems.
According to the station's findings, the data collected by the Russians was most likely transferred to the Iranians. It was this information that was supposed to enable a precise missile and drone attack, as a result of which 12 American soldiers were injured and several planes were destroyed or damaged.
Moscow and Tehran – getting closer
Although Russia officially denies accusations of providing military or intelligence support to Iran, relations between the two countries have been growing closer for years. After 2022, when Iran began supplying Russia with Shahed strike drones used against Ukraine, cooperation gained momentum.
American intelligence services fear that the Prince Sultan base case is not an isolated one. According to CNN, Russia allegedly provided Iran with similar data on other occasions, which allowed for successful attacks on CIA-linked targets in Riyadh.
Zelensky: Russia and Iran cooperate 100 percent
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed in an interview with NBC that Russian satellites took photos of the Prince Sultan base on March 20, 23 and 25. In his opinion, such actions clearly indicate preparations for an attack.
We know that once they take photos, they're getting ready. If they take the photos a second time, it will be like a simulation. The third time means they will attack in one or two days, Zelensky said.
The President of Ukraine has no doubts about cooperation between Moscow and Tehran.
Open Questions
- Is there evidence of direct transfer of data?
- What will be the diplomatic consequences for Russia?
