Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced plans to present evidence to the United States regarding Russian assistance to Iran. He claims Russia uses satellite surveillance to help Iran target U.S. bases in the Middle East.
“Since July began, we’ve monitored Russian satellite activity over Gulf states and U.S. military sites,” Zelenskyy shared on X. “These images end up in Iran. There’s a clear link between Russia’s satellite data and Iranian strikes, occurring before, during, and after attacks to assess damage.”
Zelenskyy’s claims are not new. Several sources, including a senior U.S. official, informed CBS News early in the conflict about Russia sharing intelligence with Iran about U.S. positions in the region. These allegations have appeared in reports over several months, often suggesting potential Chinese involvement.
In a recent Capitol Hill hearing, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed questions about Russian and Chinese support for Iran. His response was ambiguous, but he confirmed assistance to Iran.
“There’s definitely adversary alignment, and we have ways to deter it. The specifics are classified,” Hegseth stated. “But there are instances where both nations are supporting Iran.”
President Trump later contradicted Hegseth on Truth Social, asserting disbelief in Russian and Chinese aid to Iran. Trump referenced assurances from Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressing confidence in their non-involvement.
“Two major countries associated with Iran, in my opinion, are not participating,” Trump wrote. “Any involvement would be detrimental to them.”
The U.S. maintains approximately 45,000 military personnel and numerous bases in the Middle East. President Zelenskyy highlighted specific occasions of Russian support for Iranian targeting.
“On July 19 and 20, Russian satellites focused on four air bases: two in Bahrain, one in Jordan, and one in Kuwait,” Zelenskyy noted. “The intent is clear. No one should ignore that evil consistently seeks to worsen and expand. Russia must be halted. This war must end. Pressure on the aggressor is necessary.”
Reports indicate 18 American service members killed since the Iran war began, including recent losses: four U.S. soldiers in a Jordan attack and one in Iraq. In March, six perished in a Kuwait installation strike and another in Saudi Arabia.
Nearly 100 U.S. personnel experienced injuries from Iranian airstrikes this month, according to officials who informed CBS News.