Russia is reportedly sharing intelligence with Iran as the conflict in the Middle East escalates following recent US-Israeli airstrikes.
According to the Washington Post, Russian officials allegedly gave Iran information about the locations of US warships and aircraft operating in the region.
According to sources cited in the report, intelligence sharing appears to be extensive, with one calling it “a fairly comprehensive effort.” The reported assistance comes as Iran’s ability to independently locate US military targets has reportedly weakened as a result of recent military operations targeting key Iranian leaders and infrastructure.
Vladimir Putin has not publicly confirmed the reports, but alleged intelligence support would be the first direct indication that Russia is assisting Iran since the conflict escalated.
Meanwhile, the White House said Iranian forces have suffered significant losses in recent days. Anna Kelly said the Iranian government was under increasing pressure from ongoing strikes. “The Iranian regime is being absolutely crushed,” she said.
Kelly did not directly address the reports about Russia sharing intelligence with Iran but added that Tehran’s military capabilities were declining. “Their ballistic missile retaliation is decreasing every day, their navy is being wiped out, their production capacity is being demolished, and proxies are hardly putting up a fight,” she said.
Officials also noted that although Russia and China have maintained close coordination diplomatically, there was no clear indication that China was providing similar support to Iran.
The developments come as regional tensions continue to rise, with drone and missile attacks targeting US bases across the Middle East.
In one incident, several American soldiers were killed when an Iranian drone reportedly struck a tactical operations centre at Port Shuaiba in Kuwait. Donald Trump later offered condolences to the families of those killed and warned that further American casualties could occur as the conflict continues.