Amid the escalating war in the Middle East, Western reports have revealed growing Russian support for Iran, including intelligence sharing, satellite imagery, and advanced military tactics.
According to the British newspaper Daily Mail, Russia has emerged as one of Iran’s most prominent backers since the outbreak of the war in the region this month. The report indicates that the Kremlin is providing Tehran with intelligence support and advanced military expertise, while remaining short of direct involvement in combat operations, without ruling out such a possibility in the future.
The newspaper, citing Western officials, stated that Russian support includes the sharing of satellite images and precise field data, along with tactical consultations related to the use of drones. These are drawn from the experience Moscow has gained during its ongoing war in Ukraine.
In a related context, the report noted that the United States has eased some restrictions on Russian oil sales in an attempt to limit price increases resulting from the war. However, critics warned that this step could provide Moscow with additional financial resources that may prolong its war in Ukraine, now in its fifth year.
The Daily Mail further reported, citing Western officials, that Russia has provided Iran with intelligence on U.S. military locations in the region, including the movements of warships and aircraft. This cooperation, according to the report, has been ongoing since the beginning of the conflict.
The newspaper also quoted an informed source as describing the Russian support as a “comprehensive effort” to assist Tehran in targeting U.S. forces, while analysts suggested that this cooperation may explain the accuracy of some recent Iranian strikes.
It added that Russia’s space capabilities play a central role in this support. Moscow possesses advanced surveillance systems that provide continuous optical and radar imagery, including the satellite “Kanopus V,” which was later renamed “Khayyam” after being operated for Iran.
This intelligence system has enabled Tehran to identify U.S. and Israeli military assets with a level of precision that was previously unavailable, especially given Iran’s limited capabilities in military satellite technology.
In the same context, the newspaper reported that experts have observed a high degree of precision in Iranian strikes, particularly those targeting radar infrastructure and command centres, as well as the ability of some attacks to evade U.S. and allied air defence systems.
Western intelligence agencies also confirmed that Russia has provided guidance to Iran on drone warfare tactics, including launching coordinated swarms and altering flight paths to evade air defences, methods that Moscow has extensively employed in the war in Ukraine.
The Daily Mail quoted an intelligence official as saying that Russian support has evolved from a general level to a more advanced stage, including precise targeting strategies for drones.
Meanwhile, the report noted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia has already begun supporting Iran with drones, suggesting that this support may expand to include missiles and air defence systems.
Despite this, military experts do not currently expect Russia to deploy troops to Iran, although there are expectations that indirect support will continue and expand, particularly in the absence of decisive U.S. deterrence.
The newspaper stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared full support for the Iranian leadership, stressing that his country will remain a “reliable partner” to Tehran. The Russian ambassador to the United Kingdom also stated that Moscow “is not neutral” in this conflict.
At the same time, the Kremlin had previously called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to political and diplomatic processes.
On the economic front, the Daily Mail reported that rising oil prices as a result of the war benefit Russia by increasing its revenues. European officials warned that easing U.S. sanctions could encourage Moscow to continue its war in Ukraine.
The report also noted that the German Chancellor considered the easing of sanctions at this time to be a mistake, stressing the need to prevent Russia from exploiting the war in Iran to weaken Ukraine. The United Kingdom reaffirmed that it would not ease sanctions on Moscow, while France stated that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz does not justify lifting restrictions on Russia.
In conclusion, the newspaper stated that the growing coordination between Moscow and Tehran reflects an increasing overlap between conflict arenas, amid warnings that the world is approaching a broader phase of confrontation as alliances take shape against the existing international order.
