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Russia has expanded its military and intelligence cooperation with Iran, supplying satellite imagery and enhanced drone systems to help Tehran target U.S. forces in the Middle East, according to people familiar with the matter who spoke to The Wall Street Journal.

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The aid includes upgraded components for Iran’s Shahed drones, improving navigation, communication, and targeting. Sources told the Journal that Russia has also shared tactical guidance based on its experience using drones in Ukraine, including advice on deployment numbers and strike altitudes.

Officials familiar with the arrangement said Moscow has provided Iran with information on the locations of U.S. and allied forces in the region. Analysts note that the support resembles intelligence assistance Western nations have given to Ukraine in recent years. Military observers told the Journal that this data may have helped Iran carry out strikes on radar and missile systems in the Gulf, including targets in Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.

Experts cited by the Journal said satellite imagery allows Tehran to assess both the positioning of key military assets and damage after attacks. Jim Lamson, visiting fellow at King’s College London and former CIA analyst, told The Wall Street Journal that such intelligence could help Iran identify critical infrastructure and military equipment, enhancing operational precision.

While Russia and Iran are not formal allies, the two countries have long-standing defense ties, including joint training, delegation exchanges, and assistance with satellite launches. Analysts note that Iran previously supplied Moscow with Shahed drones for Ukraine, and that some Russian innovations are now being shared back with Tehran.

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Samuel Charap of the RAND Corporation told the Journal that, though limited, the assistance strengthens Iran’s ability to hit U.S. assets and allows Russia to “give us a taste of our own medicine,” echoing intelligence support Western countries provide to Ukraine.