WASHINGTON — U.S. officials have accused Russia of sharing satellite imagery of American military bases and troop positions in the Middle East with Iran, according to multiple reports citing people familiar with the intelligence.
The imagery, provided by satellites operated by the Russian Aerospace Forces, has included detailed locations of U.S. warships, aircraft and ground forces in the region. This assistance was first reported earlier this month and has reportedly increased since the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran began with strikes on Iranian targets in late February. Officials said the shared intelligence could aid Iran in targeting U.S. assets, though they noted no direct evidence that Russia has directed specific Iranian attacks.
The accusations come as Iran has launched missile and drone strikes on U.S. and allied positions, including an attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on Friday that wounded at least 12 U.S. service members. Russia has denied providing such intelligence to Iran. In communications with the Trump administration, Russian officials rejected the claims, according to U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff.
The reported cooperation fits into broader military ties between Russia and Iran, which have included arms transfers and economic links in recent years. U.S. intelligence has monitored increased exchanges since the current conflict escalated, including potential satellite data from Russia's overhead constellation. Similar reports have previously indicated Russia provided Iran with locations of U.S. forces and regional allies.
The developments occur alongside Iran's continued restrictions on commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which has sharply reduced traffic in the waterway that normally carries about one-fifth of global oil trade. President Donald Trump extended a deadline for Iran to reopen the strait to April 6, citing backchannel discussions. The U.S. has increased troop deployments to the region, including thousands of Marines, to support operations.
As of Sunday, U.S. officials continued to assess the extent of any Russian support while monitoring developments in the Persian Gulf. The Pentagon and intelligence agencies have not released detailed public statements on the satellite imagery matter. Diplomatic contacts through intermediaries remained active amid ongoing military activities and the broader conflict in the region.
