Russia Shares Intelligence with Iran to Target US Military Assets, Sources Reveal
Russia has provided Iran with information that could enable Tehran to strike American warships, aircraft, and other military assets in the Middle East, according to two officials familiar with U.S. intelligence on the matter. The individuals, who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, emphasized that the intelligence does not indicate Russia is directing Iran on how to use the information. However, this marks the first sign that Moscow is seeking involvement in the war launched by the U.S. and Israel against Iran a week ago.
Russia's Strategic Alliance with Iran
Russia is among the few countries maintaining friendly relations with Tehran, which has faced years of isolation due to its nuclear program and support for proxy groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, all of which have caused significant disruption in the Middle East. The White House downplayed reports of Russia sharing intelligence, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt stating on Friday that it is not affecting military operations in Iran, as the U.S. is "completely decimating them." Leavitt declined to comment on whether President Trump had discussed the intelligence sharing with Russian President Vladimir Putin or if Russia should face repercussions, leaving that to the president.
Kremlin's Response and Broader Implications
When asked if Russia would offer military assistance to Iran, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said no such request has been made from Tehran, adding that dialogue with Iranian leadership continues. He refrained from commenting on whether Moscow has provided any military or intelligence aid since the war began. Russia has strengthened its ties with Iran, seeking missiles and drones for its ongoing war in Ukraine, which has lasted four years. The Biden administration previously declassified intelligence showing Iran supplies Moscow with attack drones and helped build a drone-manufacturing factory, with accusations of transferring short-range ballistic missiles to Russia.
Details about the U.S. intelligence were first reported by the Washington Post. When questioned if this revelation affected Trump's confidence in Putin's ability to broker peace in the Russia-Ukraine war, Leavitt noted that peace remains an achievable objective. Associated Press writers Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow and Michelle L. Price in Washington contributed to this report, highlighting the geopolitical complexities at play.
