Zelenskyy Claims Russian Satellite Assistance to Iran for Targeting U.S. Bases

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced he would provide evidence to the United States showing that Russia is assisting Iran by targeting U.S. bases in the Middle East through satellite surveillance. Zelenskyy stated on social media that since early July, Russian satellites have actively monitored Gulf states and U.S. military installations. These satellite images reportedly end up in Iran.

According to Zelenskyy, there seems to be a clear link between Russia’s satellite data and Iranian strikes on U.S. facilities. The images are used to prepare for attacks and assess the damage afterward. This is not the first time accusations have been made regarding Russian assistance to Iran. A senior U.S. official previously informed CBS News about Russia providing intelligence to Iran about U.S. positions.

The discussion about potential Chinese involvement also surfaced in media reports. During a recent Capitol Hill hearing, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed questions about Russia and China aiding Iran. While his response was vague, he admitted that both countries are enabling some of Iran’s activities.

There’s definitely adversary alignment, attempts to do so, and there are many ways that we deter that. And the depth and extent of it ought to remain classified, and it should, Hegseth said.

However, President Trump contradicted his defense secretary days later on social media, asserting that neither Russia nor China was helping Iran, based on assurances from their leaders. He expressed that it would not serve their best interests to assist Iran.

The U.S. maintains approximately 45,000 military personnel and multiple bases across the Middle East. Zelenskyy pointed out specific instances earlier this month, noting Russian satellites focused on four air bases, including two in Bahrain, and one each in Jordan and Kuwait. He emphasized that the world should recognize the threat posed by these actions.

Since the start of the Iran conflict, eighteen American service members have reportedly died, with recent casualties from an attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan and a drone incident in Iraq. Earlier in the war, casualties also occurred during an assault on a Kuwait installation.

Ninety-nine American service members sustained injuries from various Iranian airstrikes in the region this month, according to U.S. officials.