Yuri Kobzar17:56, 16.09.26

Russian satellites circled in swarms over US airbases before the Iranian strikes.

Russia provided Iran with intelligence to more effectively target US military targets in the Middle East, CNN reported , citing two US officials.

According to journalists, Iran received satellite reconnaissance data from the Russians, among other things, which was then likely used to identify targets and prepare strikes. Among these targets, the publication cites the strategically important Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, which the Iranians attacked on March 27. The US lost an AWACS aircraft, and 12 American service members were wounded.

CNN journalists, along with experts in the field, analyzed data on Russian satellite orbits and discovered that more than a dozen Russian devices flew over the airbase two days before the strike. According to experts, this large number of satellites over a single location allowed the Russians to obtain maximum information about the facility.

It is noted that Russian satellites of various types flew over the airbase, conducting a full range of reconnaissance missions: not only standard photographs, but also the interception of radio and radar signals, mapping of thermal signatures, etc.

Russia also likely collected and passed on intelligence to Iran about other US military installations in the region, including the CIA base in Riyadh, according to CNN sources familiar with the matter.

(c)UNIAN 2026