Can the AI see strategic resources before it has the tech for them?

And does it take these into account when settling cities? I've heard some people say this is the case before, but was wondering if anyone around here would be able to give a conclusive answer.

Sorry if this is the wrong place to post this, I made an account to post this question. I remember seeing a thread about this some time ago, but I can't seem to find it at the moment.

Yes and No

No, it doesn't actually see which resource it is.

Yes, the function that tells the AI if it would be a good place to settle is aware of the strategic resource. (That is also used when the human turns on the help for where would be a good place to settle)
In addition, the "land envy" function also uses that same formula and so the AI will acquire land envy for you faster if you have multiple hidden strategic resources within your territory compared to not having any [all else equal]

Note that this has been in the game since at least Civ III.

This might also explain why the guvna grabs tiles in a particular direction even though it's seemingly no different from comparable tiles.

The AI sees in visible light, gamma rads, microwave, and ultraviolet wavelengths. Do not question what the AI sees! He knows you're hiding iron and he's coming to get it.