My best guess is that our own Deep State intel did this, leaving fingerprints that point abroad in case the ploy was discovered. It was discovered and this is the line they’ve fed Ratcliffe. (Perhaps cleverly including Iran with Russia this time to get enough neocons on board with the ruse.)
I think there is a good chance that you are correct.
And my best guess is that whatever narrative the media puts out, the opposite stands a much better chance of being factual. Some time ago, I was asked where I 'get my news' and I said CNN. The individual asking the question knew me well enough that this answer sounded like bull so I explained.... "I see what CNN says so that I know what not to believe...after that it's just a matter of examining the remaining possibilities.