A leaked intelligence document has reportedly revealed that Russia proposed supplying Iran with thousands of advanced drones that could be used against American troops in the Gulf region.
According to a report by The Economist, the classified document allegedly showed that Russia’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) offered Tehran training and support on the use of fibre-optic drones that are difficult to jam electronically.
The report claimed the proposal involved the supply of 5,000 short-range drones, alongside an unspecified number of long-range satellite-guided systems.
The development is seen as another sign of strengthening military ties between Moscow and Tehran, especially after Iran previously supplied Russia with Shahed drones used during the war in Ukraine.
Unlike conventional drones that rely on radio signals, fibre-optic drones are guided through cables trailing behind them, making them resistant to electronic interference.
Military experts say the systems can carry out highly precise attacks from distances exceeding 25 miles, making them particularly effective against advanced military forces.
The leaked 10-page proposal was reportedly drafted during the early stages of the conflict involving Iran, at a time when there were concerns that American forces under President Donald Trump could launch ground operations against Tehran.
The document allegedly included diagrams and maps showing strategic Iranian locations, including Kharg Island, an important oil export terminal previously considered a possible US military target.
It also reportedly suggested the deployment of satellite-guided drones equipped with Starlink technology, similar to systems Russia had previously used in Ukraine before access was reportedly restricted in 2026.
One section of the document allegedly outlined plans for Russian-trained Iranian operators to launch coordinated drone attacks on American landing forces using hidden positions near the Gulf.
The GRU was also said to have proposed recruiting drone operators from Iranian students studying in Russia, as well as Tajik and Syrian recruits familiar with Russian and Persian languages.
Western intelligence officials had earlier claimed that Russia was preparing to send upgraded versions of Shahed drones to Iran, with improved capabilities for evading air defence systems and carrying larger payloads.
Fibre-optic drones have increasingly appeared in Middle Eastern conflicts, with Israeli officials previously accusing the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah of using similar systems against Israeli forces.
