Kremlin Declines to Comment on Alleged Intelligence Sharing with Iran

The Kremlin on Tuesday declined to comment on discussions with U.S. Officials regarding allegations that Russia shared intelligence with Iran, potentially aiding Iranian strikes in the Middle East. The allegations, first reported by American media, center on Moscow providing its Iranian ally with information to identify potential U.S. Targets in response to the U.S.-Israeli attacks.

U.S. Concerns and Russian Response

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff stated he had “strongly” communicated to Russia a request to cease sharing targeting information with Tehran. When questioned about Witkoff’s statement, or whether the issue was discussed during a phone call Monday between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov offered a limited response.

“All I can say is that Witkoff is in constant contact with his Russian counterparts, and that this channel of communication indeed allows us to hand each other signals about the most sensitive issues,” Peskov said, according to reporting by The Moscow Times.

Trump Downplays Allegations

President Donald Trump downplayed the significance of any potential intelligence sharing, stating on Saturday that “even if they secure information, it’s not much help.” Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth echoed this sentiment, stating he was “not incredibly concerned.”

Putin’s Assurance to Trump

During an interview with CNBC on Tuesday, Witkoff revealed that Putin had informed Trump during their phone call that Moscow had not shared intelligence with Tehran regarding the ongoing conflict. This conversation occurred after President Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a phone call on Friday, as announced by the Kremlin, amid escalating U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran, Gulf Insider reported.

Broader Context: Russia-Iran Alliance

Russia and Iran agreed last year to cooperate in countering “common threats,” signaling a strengthening alliance between the two nations. Russia is a close ally of Iran, and the Kremlin has not confirmed whether it is providing support to Iran in the current conflict. PBS NewsHour reported on the Monday call between Trump and Putin, noting the discussion included the war in Iran and other issues.

Ongoing Conflict

The war in the Middle East entered its 11th day on Tuesday, following initial strikes by American and Israeli forces against Iran on February 28, which prompted retaliatory strikes by Iran across the Gulf.