Here's a geopolitical twist that connects two major conflicts: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is now accusing Russia of helping Iran target American forces in the Middle East.
In an interview with NBC News from Qatar, Zelenskyy said Russia provided Iran with satellite intelligence on the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia before an attack that injured U.S. personnel. He even read directly from his daily intelligence briefing during the conversation to back up the claim.
"Do they help Iranians? Of course. How much support? 100%," Zelenskyy stated, asserting that Russian aircraft surveilled the facility three times in the days leading up to Iran's attack.
This isn't the first time Zelenskyy has pointed to military teamwork between Moscow and Tehran. Back in mid-March, he said Russia had transferred Shahed drones to Iran. Those drones were originally built under Iranian licenses, then apparently refined through real-world combat experience in Ukraine. Zelenskyy added that those systems were later used against U.S. bases and Iran's regional neighbors. U.S. and European officials have independently confirmed those transfers, noting an ongoing arrangement between the two governments.
According to the NBC News report, Zelenskyy explained that, based on Ukraine's own painful experience, repeatedly photographing installations over several days can be a signal that an attack is being prepared.
It's worth noting the report also stated that the briefing Zelenskyy cited did not provide evidence of the Russian satellite imagery, did not explain how Ukraine obtained the information, and that NBC News could not independently verify its accuracy.
The Ukrainian president's accusations land in the middle of already sky-high tensions in the Middle East. The Houthis, a Yemen-based militant group backed by Iran, have also been active in the conflict.
Earlier, following U.S. strikes on Iranian power plants, Iran targeted critical infrastructure. These moves haven't just heated up the geopolitical situation; they've also sent shockwaves through global energy markets. Meanwhile, Israel has vowed to ramp up its attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities.
