dailyloe.com – Russia is reportedly providing Iran with critical military intelligence, primarily through satellite data, according to expert analysis and official statements from both nations. This cooperation centers on the sharing of information regarding US naval assets in the region. The aid was downplayed by former US President Donald Trump but acknowledged by Iranian officials. This development occurs amidst ongoing regional tensions and follows Iran’s recent claims of a missile strike on a US carrier. The Pentagon has dismissed those specific strike claims as false.
The intelligence likely flows from Russia’s Liana system, its only fully operational spy satellite constellation. This system was specifically designed to track US carrier strike groups and other naval forces for targeting purposes. An expert on Russia’s space program confirmed this capability to Al Jazeera. The data sharing persists despite Russia’s own battlefield communication issues and Western satellite superiority. This technological aid represents a significant, if discreet, form of military support.
Beyond intelligence, Russia has played a foundational role in Iran’s space ambitions. Moscow launched Iran’s key Khayyam satellite from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in 2022. The 650-kilogram satellite orbits Earth at an altitude of 500 kilometers. It possesses an optical imaging resolution of one meter. Analysts suggest Russia could theoretically receive and process data from this Iranian satellite as part of a reciprocal arrangement.
This space and intelligence partnership adds a complex layer to international geopolitics. It enables Tehran to enhance its surveillance and targeting capabilities against perceived adversaries. The cooperation underscores a strategic alignment between Moscow and Tehran that extends beyond economic ties. For global observers, it highlights the growing militarization of space in modern conflicts. The full extent and operational details of this aid remain closely guarded state secrets.[]
Source: Al Jazeera
