Darren Lyn
18 March 2026•Update: 18 March 2026
HOUSTON, United States
Russia is sharing satellite imagery and drone technology with Iran to target US forces in the Middle East, according to a report Tuesday by The Wall Street Journal.
The WSJ reported that Moscow has been expanding its intelligence sharing and military cooperation with Tehran, aiding its Middle Eastern ally against the US and Israel, which launched war against Iran nearly three weeks ago.
According to the report, technology being provided by the Kremlin includes components of modified Shahed drones, which are meant to improve communication, navigation and targeting of US forces.
A senior European intelligence officer told the newspaper that the assistance to Iran is coming from Russia's drone experience in its own war with Ukraine. Iran is getting firsthand knowledge of Russia's tactical guidance on how many drones should be used in operations and what altitudes they should strike from.
Russia has also been providing Iran with the locations of US military forces in the Middle East as well as those of its regional allies, according to the report.
Experts said satellite images can provide more accurate details and movements of both land-based and sea-based targets, which can assist in targeting before a strike as well as damage assessment following an attack.
The data Moscow is providing to Tehran comes from a fleet of satellites managed by the Russian Aerospace Forces, which provides intelligence for military operations, according to officials.
Despite the assistance Iran has been receiving from Russia, the Trump administration said it has not compromised US military operations.
"Nothing provided to Iran by any other country is affecting our operational success," said White House spokesperson Olivia Wales.
"The United States Military has struck more than 7,000 targets and destroyed more than 100 Iranian naval vessels leading to their missile attacks decreasing by 90% and their drone attacks decreasing by 95%," she added.
