Iran- Israel conflict: Russia allegedly shares advanced Ukrainian drone tactics with Iran for Middle East strikes

Russia aids Iran with advanced drone tactics

Russia is reportedly helping Iran attack US and Gulf nation targets in West Asia by providing advanced drone tactics from its war in Ukraine, CNN reported, citing a Western intelligence official.

Until now, Russian intelligence sharing with Iran had been reported as general assistance with targeting. However, Russia has now stepped up to providing specific tactical advice, as the Shahed drones – designed by Iran but mass produced by Moscow – have been successful in penetrating the air defences of Gulf countries.

“What was more general support is now getting more concerning, including UAS [drone] targeting strategies that Russia employed in Ukraine,” the official told CNN. Russia has used Shahed drones against Ukraine in waves, with multiple drones flying together and changing course regularly to elude air defences.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday said Russia had started supporting the Iranian regime with drones, and will definitely help them with missiles and air defences. Ukraine’s own drone experts are due to arrive in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates to share Ukrainian expertise in stopping the Iranian attacks.

Earlier, US special envoy Steve Witkoff said Russian leaders, in a call with President Donald Trump on Monday, denied allegations that they are sharing intelligence with Iran during the war.

“I can tell you that yesterday, on the call with the president, the Russians said they have not been sharing. That’s what they said,” he told CNBC on Tuesday. “So, you know, we can take them at their word.”

Witkoff also said he and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, had separately had a phone call on Monday morning with Yuri Ushakov, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s foreign policy advisor. Ushakov, in that call, “reiterated the same,” that Russia is not sharing intelligence with Iran, Witkoff said.

US reports earlier suggested that Russia has been giving Iran information that could help the country strike American ships, aircraft, and military bases in the Middle East. However, Trump and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth have dismissed concerns of Russian involvement in the conflict.