WASHINGTON (AP) — According to two officials familiar with U.S. intelligence, Russia has supplied Iran with sensitive information that could potentially assist Tehran in targeting American warships, aircraft, and other military assets in the region. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the matter, emphasized that U.S. intelligence has not found evidence that Russia is directing Iran on how to use this information.
First Indication of Russian Involvement
This development marks the first indication that Moscow is seeking to involve itself in the war launched by the U.S. and Israel against Iran a week ago. Russia is among the few countries that maintain friendly relations with Tehran, which has faced years of isolation over its nuclear program and support for proxy groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, which have caused significant turmoil in the Middle East.
White House Response
The White House downplayed reports of Russia sharing intelligence with Iran about U.S. targets. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Friday that "it clearly is not making any difference with respect to the military operations in Iran because we are completely decimating them." Leavitt declined to comment on whether President Trump had discussed the reported intelligence sharing with Russian President Vladimir Putin or if Russia should face repercussions, leaving that to the president to address.
Kremlin's Stance
When asked if Russia would go beyond political support and offer military assistance to Iran, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there has been no such request from Tehran. "We are in dialogue with the Iranian side, with representatives of the Iranian leadership, and will certainly continue this dialogue," he said on Friday. Peskov refrained from commenting on whether Moscow has provided any military or intelligence assistance to Iran since the start of the Iran war.
Deepening Russia-Iran Ties
Russia has strengthened its relationship with Iran as it seeks missiles and drones for its four-year war in Ukraine. The Biden administration declassified intelligence findings showing that Iran supplies Moscow with attack drones and has assisted in building a drone-manufacturing factory. The former U.S. administration also accused Iran of transferring short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for use in the Ukraine conflict.
Intelligence Details
Details about the U.S. intelligence were first reported by the Washington Post. When questioned if this revelation had shaken Trump's faith in Putin's ability to broker a peace deal in the Russia-Ukraine war, Leavitt responded, "I think the president would say that peace is still an achievable objective with respect to the Russia-Ukraine war."
Associated Press writers Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow and Michelle L. Price in Washington contributed to this report.
