Zelensky Says Russia Is Sharing Satellite Targeting Data With Iran on U.S. Bases During Iran War
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a March 28 post on X that Russian reconnaissance satellites had imaged multiple strategic military and energy sites across the Gulf “in the interests of Iran,” listing targets including Diego Garcia (March 24), Kuwait International Airport, parts of the Greater Burgan oil field, Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air Base and Shaybah field, Turkey’s Incirlik Air Base, and Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base. Zelensky told Axios he believes Russia is “directly, 100%” supporting Iran by sharing satellite imagery akin to Moscow’s use of overhead intelligence in Ukraine, analysts say this amounts to a “target list,” and the White House — while not confirming the claims — says any assistance to Iran has not degraded U.S. operations, citing thousands of strikes and a reported 90% drop in Iranian missile and drone attacks.
📌 Key Facts
- On March 28 Zelensky posted on X that Russian reconnaissance satellites had imaged multiple strategic military and energy sites across the Gulf “in the interests of Iran,” naming Diego Garcia (imaged March 24), Kuwait International Airport, parts of the Greater Burgan oil field, Prince Sultan Air Base (Saudi Arabia), the Shaybah oil and gas field, Turkey’s Incirlik Air Base, and Al Udeid Air Base (Qatar).
- The reported imagery targeted both U.S./Allied military air bases and Gulf energy infrastructure, indicating a focus on American and Gulf air targets and critical energy sites.
- Zelensky told Axios he believes Russia is supporting Iran “directly, 100%,” including by sharing satellite imagery in a manner similar to how Moscow used overhead intelligence in Ukraine.
- Chatham House associate fellow Ksenia Svetlova said reports indicate Russia has effectively provided Iran with a “target list” via satellite—supplying targeting information to aid Tehran while avoiding committing Russian troops or equipment.
- The White House has not confirmed alleged Russia‑to‑Iran intelligence sharing but publicly said anything provided to Iran is not degrading U.S. operational success, citing more than 11,000 targets struck, over 150 Iranian naval vessels destroyed, and a roughly 90% drop in Iranian missile and drone attacks.
📊 Relevant Data
Black service members are overrepresented in the U.S. military, comprising 21.4% of active-duty Army soldiers as of December 2024, while Black individuals represent about 13.6% of the U.S. population.
How many people are in the US military? A demographic overview — USA Facts
Black and Latino households pay 13–18% more on average for energy per square foot of housing compared to White households, contributing to higher energy burdens amid disruptions to Gulf oil infrastructure.
Race, rates, and energy insecurity: exploring racial disparities in residential energy burden in the USA — Nature Scientific Reports
88% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents believe the U.S. made the wrong decision in using military force in Iran, compared to only 26% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents.
Americans Broadly Disapprove of U.S. Military Action in Iran — Pew Research Center
Iran has supplied Russia with nearly $3 billion worth of missiles between 2021 and January 2026, aiding Russia's war efforts in Ukraine and fostering reciprocal military cooperation, including intelligence sharing.
Iran Needs Russia's Help in the War. Here's Why That's Complicated for Putin — Bloomberg
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- Zelensky’s March 28 post on X states that Russian reconnaissance satellites imaged multiple strategic military and energy sites across the Gulf region "in the interests of Iran."
- He lists specific targets and dates: Diego Garcia imaged on March 24, followed in subsequent days by Kuwait International Airport, parts of the Greater Burgan oil field, Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, the Shaybah oil and gas field, Turkey’s Incirlik Air Base, and Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
- Zelensky tells Axios that he believes Russia is supporting Iran "directly, 100%," including by sharing satellite imagery in a manner similar to how Moscow used overhead intelligence in Ukraine.
- Chatham House associate fellow Ksenia Svetlova is quoted saying reports indicate Russia has effectively provided Iran with a "target list" via satellite, including American and Gulf air targets, as a way to aid Tehran without committing its own troops or equipment.
- The White House, while not confirming the alleged intelligence‑sharing, publicly asserts that anything provided to Iran by other countries is not degrading U.S. operational success, citing over 11,000 targets struck and more than 150 Iranian naval vessels destroyed and claiming Iranian missile and drone attacks are down 90%.