Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that Russian satellites captured images of an American airbase in Saudi Arabia on three occasions prior to an Iranian attack that resulted in injuries to U.S. personnel. This assertion was made during an interview with NBC News in Qatar, where Zelensky referenced intelligence gathered by Ukrainian operatives.
Zelensky expressed confidence that Russia is sharing intelligence with Iran to facilitate attacks on U.S. forces in the Middle East. He stated, “I believe that Russia is interested in assisting the Iranians. I do not just believe it—I know they are sharing information. Are they helping the Iranians? Of course. To what extent? One hundred percent,” he remarked.
According to Zelensky, the repeated surveillance of military targets by Russia is indicative of imminent attack planning. He noted, “We know that if they take a photo once, they are preparing. If they take a photo a second time, it is like a simulation. By the third time, it means they will attack within one to two days.” This pattern of surveillance was reportedly observed on March 20, 23, and 25.
The Iranian assault on the Prince Sultan Air Base occurred on March 26, targeting both American and Saudi forces stationed there. Two U.S. officials confirmed that several American servicemen were injured in the attack, although none of the injuries were deemed life-threatening.
In a broader context, the U.S. and Israel have been engaged in military operations against Iran. On February 28, Israel conducted airstrikes in Tehran, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to announce a significant military operation aimed at neutralizing threats posed by the Iranian regime. Trump accused Iran of financing and training militant groups across the region, including in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) subsequently claimed responsibility for launching missiles and drones toward Israel, as well as attacking American military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
In response to escalating tensions, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, while the European Union reaffirmed its commitment to regional security and stability in the Middle East.
President Zelensky emphasized the importance of allowing the Iranian populace a chance to rid themselves of what he termed a “terrorist regime” and to ensure security for all nations affected by Iranian aggression.
On February 28, Trump announced the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a claim later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). Following this, the IRGC declared the initiation of a “most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic” against Israel and American military installations.
Trump warned the Iranian regime against pursuing these plans, threatening a “very strong response.” On March 2, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the next phase of military operations would be even more devastating.
On March 6, Trump called for a complete overhaul of Iran’s leadership, suggesting he had potential candidates for a new “good leader.” Two days later, the Iranian Assembly of Experts selected Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the slain leader, as the new Supreme Leader. Trump declined to comment on this development, stating only, “We’ll see what happens,” while previously asserting that the new leader would not last long without U.S. approval.
Ukrainian intelligence suggests that Russian satellite surveillance of a U.S. airbase in Saudi Arabia was linked to an Iranian attack that injured American personnel. President Zelensky asserts that Russia is providing intelligence to Iran, indicating a coordinated effort against U.S. forces in the region.