Dozens of high-resolution satellite images of military installations and critical infrastructure across the Middle East were reportedly captured by Russian satellites to assist Iran in targeting U.S. forces and other regional assets, according to an assessment by Ukrainian intelligence.

The findings, reviewed by Reuters, also indicate that Russian and Iranian hackers have been coordinating cyber operations. This report provides one of the most detailed accounts to date of Russia’s alleged covert support for Iran since Israel and the United States launched strikes on February 28.

According to the undated assessment, Russian satellites conducted at least 24 imaging operations across 11 Middle Eastern countries between March 21 and March 31. These operations covered 46 locations, including U.S. and allied military bases, airfields, and oil facilities.

The report states that, within days of these surveillance activities, several of the monitored sites—including military bases and command centers—were targeted by Iranian ballistic missiles and drones, suggesting a clear operational pattern.

A Western military source, along with a regional security official, told Reuters that their intelligence also detected significant Russian satellite activity in the region and indicated that the collected imagery had likely been shared with Iran.

Surveillance across key countries

The assessment reports multiple satellite passes over Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Jordan, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.

In Saudi Arabia alone, nine observations were recorded, including five over King Khalid Military City near Hafar al-Batin—apparently aimed at identifying the presence of the U.S. THAAD missile defense system.

Other locations in Turkey, Jordan, Kuwait, and the UAE were each surveyed twice, while areas in Israel, Qatar, Iraq, Bahrain, and the Diego Garcia Naval Support Base were observed once.

The report also highlights a growing focus on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor through which roughly one-fifth of global oil and LNG supplies pass. Russian satellites are said to be actively monitoring the area, where Iran has effectively imposed a selective blockade, allowing passage only to vessels it considers “non-hostile.”

Reuters noted that it could not independently verify the Ukrainian intelligence assessment.

White House spokesperson Olivia Wales stated that any external support provided to Iran does not impact the operational effectiveness of U.S. forces.