Russian Satellite Activity Supports Iran Strikes
Russian satellites conducted extensive imagery surveys of military facilities and critical infrastructure across the Middle East, according to a Ukrainian intelligence assessment. The findings indicate that this activity helped Iran identify targets for strikes against U.S. forces and other sites. Furthermore, the assessment describes cooperation between Russian and Iranian actors in cyber operations.
Between March 21 and March 31, Russian satellites carried out at least 24 surveys across 11 countries. These operations covered 46 locations, including military bases, airports, and oil facilities. Shortly after these surveys, Iranian ballistic missiles and drones targeted several of these sites, suggesting a consistent operational pattern.
Nine of the surveys focused on Saudi Arabia. In particular, five missions examined the King Khalid Military City near Hafar Al-Batin, where analysts believe efforts were made to identify components of the U.S.-made THAAD air defence system. Meanwhile, satellites also surveyed areas in Turkey, Jordan, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates twice. Other locations, including Israel, Qatar, Iraq, Bahrain, and Diego Garcia, were each surveyed once.
Expanding Surveillance and Strategic Coordination
Russian satellite operations also concentrated on the Strait of Hormuz. This waterway carries a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. The assessment notes that Iran has imposed restrictions on vessel passage there, permitting only those deemed non-hostile.
Additionally, data from a space-tracking firm indicates repeated satellite activity over the Gulf region during the same period. While such activity does not confirm that imagery was collected, it suggests a broader surveillance effort than initially outlined.
The assessment further highlights a permanent communications channel between Russia and Iran. Through this system, satellite imagery and intelligence appear to be shared efficiently. Russian military personnel based in Tehran may also facilitate this exchange.
One cited incident involved imagery of Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. A Russian satellite reportedly captured images days before Iran launched a strike on March 27, damaging a U.S. E-3 Sentry aircraft. Another satellite pass occurred the following day to assess the impact.
Deepening Military and Cyber Collaboration
Russia and Iran have strengthened military ties in recent years. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, cooperation expanded significantly. Iran has been accused of supplying drones, while Russia has developed more advanced variants. Iran, however, denies providing weapons for use in Ukraine.
In January last year, both countries signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty. This agreement formalised intelligence sharing to address mutual security concerns.
Moreover, cyber collaboration has intensified. Iranian hacking groups have increased attacks on infrastructure and telecommunications targets in the Gulf. Evidence suggests coordination with Russian groups through online platforms, including Telegram.
Joint activity includes warnings of cyberattacks on Israeli energy systems and the release of access credentials to critical infrastructure. Additionally, Iranian groups have reportedly adopted techniques associated with Russian military intelligence. In some cases, they have used Russian-based services to support their operations.
These developments illustrate a growing alignment between the two nations across both physical and digital domains.
With inputs from Reuters