Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Tuesday that Russia “should not be involved” in the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, even as intelligence reports indicate Moscow may already be doing exactly that.
U.S. intelligence assessments have reportedly found that Russia provided Iran with information that could help identify the locations of American warships, aircraft, and other military assets operating in the Middle East. Defense officials have not publicly confirmed the scope or timing of the alleged transfers, but said the information could assist Tehran in targeting U.S. forces.
Hegseth addressed the issue at a press conference Tuesday: “The president maintains strong relationships with world leaders, which creates opportunities and options for us in very dynamic ways. So, president said it was a good call. I was not on it, but those that were said it was a strong call reaffirming, hopefully, the opportunity for some — for some peace in Russia/Ukraine, and also a recognition that, as it pertains to this conflict, they should not be involved.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi appeared to confirm the relationship over the weekend while speaking with NBC News’ Kristen Welker on Meet the Press. Asked whether Russia is assisting Iran, Araghchi said, as per The Hill, “A military cooperation between Iran and Russia is not something new. It’s not a secret. It has been in the past, and it’s still there, and will continue in the future.” He noted that Russia is “helping us in many different directions.”
George Barros, an expert on Russia at the Institute for the Study of War, told Fox News that Russian military reconnaissance satellites could be assisting Iran. “They’re specialized for naval reconnaissance and detecting ships, because the radar signature off the water really pings it quite well,” Barros said. “These are known capabilities of the Russians.”
