Russia is providing Iran with intelligence on the locations and movements of American troops, ships, and aircraft, according to multiple sources familiar with US intelligence reporting on the issue. This marks the first indication that Moscow has sought to become directly involved in the war.
Much of the intelligence Russia has shared with Iran has been imagery from Moscow’s sophisticated constellation of overhead satellites, one source said. CNN has reported on this development. It remains unclear what Russia is receiving in return for this assistance.
It is also not known whether any single Iranian attack can be directly linked to Russian targeting intelligence. However, several Iranian drones have struck locations where US troops have recently been deployed. An Iranian drone hit a makeshift facility housing US troops in Kuwait on Sunday, killing six US service members.
One source briefed on the intelligence said, “This shows Russia still likes Iran very much.”
US intelligence also suggests that China may be preparing to provide Iran with financial assistance, spare parts, and missile components, according to multiple sources, although Beijing has so far stayed out of the conflict. China relies heavily on Iranian oil and has reportedly been pressuring Tehran to allow safe passage for vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
“China is more cautious in its support. It wants the war to end because it endangers their energy supply,” said one source familiar with the matter.
The CIA declined to comment. The Chinese embassy in Washington was also approached regarding the possibility of Chinese assistance to Iran.
When asked about reports of intelligence sharing, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told CBS News’ 60 Minutes, “We’re tracking everything. The American people can rest assured their commander-in-chief is well aware of who’s talking to who. And anything that shouldn’t be happening, whether it’s in public or back-channeled, is being confronted and confronted strongly.”
Hegseth told reporters that Russia and China are “not really a factor” in the war with Iran.
Russia and Iran have cooperated for at least the past three years on missile and drone technology. Iran has supplied Russia with Shahed drones and short-range ballistic missiles for use in Ukraine and helped establish a large drone factory in Russia. In return, Iran has sought Russian assistance to bolster its nuclear program.
The US operation against Iran currently involves more than 50,000 troops, over 200 fighter jets, and two aircraft carriers, CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper said. Administration officials have not specified how long the conflict is expected to last. According to Pentagon officials, the US military objective is to eliminate Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities, which Hegseth said Iran has been using as a “shield” to develop its nuclear program.
