As tensions escalate between Iran and the U.S.-Israel alliance, CNN reported on Wednesday that Russia has shared drone tactics learned from the Ukraine conflict with Iran.
According to the report, a Western intelligence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the existing general support has now evolved into a more concerning level. The official added that Russia’s unmanned aerial system (UAS) targeting strategies used in Ukraine are among the tactics shared with Iran.
The official did not disclose specific details about the tactical support.
Russia has extensively used Iran’s Shahed drones in the Ukraine war. Similarly, Iran has employed these cost-effective drones to penetrate Gulf states’ air defenses in the current conflict, finding them more economical than missiles.
CNN emphasized that while Russia has previously shared information about U.S. military targets with Iran, the potential for specific tactical advice represents a new, potentially lethal level of support.
On March 6, The Washington Post reported that Russia has been providing Iran with location data of U.S. military vessels and aircraft stationed in the Middle East.
Russia’s intelligence support has shown immediate effects on the battlefield. Experts believe that Russian-provided precise coordinates may have contributed to the Iranian drone attack in Kuwait on March 1, which resulted in the deaths of six U.S. service members.
In an NBC News interview on March 7, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi responded to inquiries about Russia’s information-sharing by stating that Iran is assisting Russia in various ways, without providing specific details.
China, another Iranian ally, could also be a significant factor. The official expressed concern about China’s support for Iran but did not elaborate. While China has condemned U.S. and Israeli attacks, it has not publicly committed to providing military support to Iran.
However, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth dismissed the notion that Russia and China would significantly influence this conflict.