Russia supplies Iran with targeting intelligence and drone technology for Middle East strikes

Russia is supplying Iran with intelligence and advanced unmanned aerial vehicle technology to support strikes on US and allied military targets in the Middle East.

Two sources familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal that the cooperation was established in the early days of the Ukraine war and has expanded over time. The sources included a senior European intelligence official and a Middle Eastern diplomat.

The same sources said Russia has recently provided Iran with direct satellite imagery. The images contain detailed information on the location and military value of potential targets.

Russia’s support has extended beyond intelligence. Moscow has also delivered more advanced drone technologies to Iran. Shipments include components that enhance communication, navigation and targeting systems for modified Shahed drones.

Multiple sources cited by The Wall Street Journal said Russia has also shared its experience from aerial bombardment campaigns in Ukraine with Iran. Tactical recommendations—such as how many drones to deploy in an operation and at what altitude to conduct attacks—have been conveyed to Tehran.

Signs of Russian support seen in recent attacks

According to the sources, the support provided by Moscow has been used in Iran’s recent attacks across the Middle East. Targets included an early warning radar linked to the THAAD missile defense system stationed in Jordan. Various military and critical infrastructure sites in Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman were also targeted.

The data was reported to have been sourced from satellites operated by the Russian Aerospace Forces. Jim Lamson of King’s College London, who previously worked on Iranian armed forces issues at the CIA, highlighted the operational value of such imagery.

“If these images include details such as specific aircraft types, ammunition depots, air defense systems, or the movements of naval assets, they provide a direct operational advantage for Iran,” Lamson said.

Iran’s strike capacity expands

Iran had already carried out limited attacks on regional countries during its 12-day war with Israel in June 2025. Those actions were interpreted as an attempt to de-escalate tensions following US bombardment of Iranian nuclear facilities.

More recently, however, Iran has conducted broader and more effective strikes against both military and civilian targets. Energy infrastructure, port facilities, the airport in Dubai, hotels and residential areas have been affected. US embassies, military bases, air defense systems, banks and data centers have also been included among the targets.

Russian tactics from Ukraine carried into Iranian operations

Nicole Graewski of Sciences Po in Paris said Iran’s attack methods reflect Russian tactics used in Ukraine.

Graewski said Iran’s large-scale use of drones aims to disable radar systems and pave the way for subsequent missile strikes.

“These attacks primarily target radars and command centers. Iran’s complex attack model is increasingly resembling Russia’s approach,” she said.

Strategic partnership reflected on the battlefield

In January 2025, the leaders of Russia and Iran signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement. The deal, which entered into force in October, covers defense, energy, economy, technology and security. While the text does not include explicit provisions for direct military support, cooperation between the two countries has increasingly materialized on the ground.

In the past, Moscow had not provided direct military support to Iran and did not offer overt backing during the June 2025 conflict. At the time, some experts said Russia lacked the capacity to provide meaningful assistance to Tehran.

The current situation has altered that assessment. Even before the war began, Russia had started sharing its experience in drone warfare in Ukraine with Iran. A delegation of Iranian officers traveled to Crimea to review footage of strikes on Ukrainian cities and front lines.

Iranian-origin drones mass-produced by Russia in the Alabuga special economic zone in Tatarstan have been significantly upgraded. These systems have been equipped with more precise navigation, advanced targeting capabilities and electronic warfare countermeasures. Moscow has shared some of these technologies with Tehran.

Moscow keeps support calibrated

Despite having the capacity to provide broader military assistance, Russia is assessed to be keeping its support limited. One factor behind this approach is a desire to avoid straining relations with the administration of Donald Trump.

Trump has said Russia could provide “some level” of support to Iran.

Lamson noted that while the scope of current assistance appears limited, its impact is substantial.

“The satellite data and tactical guidance on drone deployment provided by Russia may seem limited. But these elements directly enhance Iran’s ability to conduct warfare and strike specific military targets,” he said.