Zelensky Claims Russia Shared US Military Base Surveillance Data with Iran

Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed that Russia has provided information to Iran after monitoring US military bases located in West Asia and the Gulf region.

According to Zelensky, surveillance or photography was conducted at seven locations this week alone. These locations reportedly include US, West Asian, and British military bases in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar. He also stated that the joint US-British military base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean was also under surveillance.

US officials, however, stated last week that Iran had fired two medium-range ballistic missiles towards Diego Garcia. Although the missiles did not hit the target, it indicated Iran's long-range strike capability. 'This is strange,' Zelensky reacted on Telegram, 'Sanctions are being eased, and the aggressor is providing information to target even those countries that are talking about lifting sanctions or have already lifted them.' The US had recently granted temporary exemptions on the sale of Russian oil. Zelensky hinted at this context with his remark.

The US Department of Defense stated it would not comment on intelligence matters. Meanwhile, sources familiar with US intelligence reports indicate that Russia has been providing information about the location and activities of US military structures to Iran. According to a Western intelligence official, Russia is also providing strategic advice to Iran, particularly regarding target acquisition via Shahed drones.