Zelenskyy Claims Russia Aids Iran in Targeting U.S. Bases

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced he will provide evidence to the United States alleging that Russia is assisting Iran in targeting U.S. bases in the Middle East through satellite surveillance. Zelenskyy made this statement on the social media platform X, indicating that active Russian satellite monitoring of Gulf states and American military installations has been observed since July.

Zelenskyy explained that images from Russian satellites are appearing in Iran. He noted a correlation between the satellite imagery and Iranian strikes, which occur both before and after the attacks. These allegations of Russia aiding Iran are not new. A senior U.S. official informed CBS News that Russia was supplying intelligence to Iran regarding American positions in the region, with media reports suggesting possible involvement from China as well.

During a recent Capitol Hill hearing, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was questioned about Russia and China’s support to Iran. While his response lacked clarity, Hegseth confirmed some level of assistance, emphasizing the need to keep the depth and extent classified. Days later, President Trump contradicted this position on the platform Truth Social, asserting that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin assured him they were not supporting Iran. Trump remarked that involvement in such activities would be against their interests.

The U.S. maintains approximately 45,000 military personnel and multiple military bases in the Middle East. Zelenskyy highlighted instances of Russian satellites focusing on specific air bases with U.S. troops. On July 19 and 20, four air bases, including two in Bahrain, one in Jordan, and one in Kuwait, were reportedly monitored by Russian satellites. Zelenskyy declared that the world cannot ignore the escalating situation, calling for an end to the conflict and pressure on Russia.

Since the conflict with Iran began, 18 American service members have died. This includes four recent fatalities, with three at the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan and one during a controlled demolition of an Iranian drone in Iraq. Earlier in the conflict, an Iranian strike on a Kuwaiti installation and a crash of a refueling plane in Iraq led to further casualties. Additionally, an Iranian strike on the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia claimed another life. Nearly 100 American troops have sustained injuries in multiple Iranian airstrikes in the region this month, U.S. officials reported.