US President Raises Possibility of Russian Support to Iran in Middle East Conflict

Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S President Donald Trump

US President Raises Possibility of Russian Support to Iran in Middle East Conflict

US President Donald Trump has suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin “may be helping” Iran during its ongoing war with the United States and Israel, raising new concerns over potential Russian involvement in the Middle East conflict. Speaking in an interview with Fox News Radio on Friday, Trump said, “I think he might be helping him a little bit, yeah, I guess. And he probably thinks we’re helping Ukraine, right?” The remarks highlight the complex geopolitical dynamics involving Russia, Iran, and the West, and come amid growing speculation that Moscow may have provided intelligence support to Tehran. Several US media reports suggest Russia may have shared targeting intelligence with Iran for attacks against American forces, though officials have not independently confirmed the claims. Trump’s comments amplify worries that the conflict could draw in multiple global powers.

The remarks coincide with a significant escalation in US and Israeli military operations against Iran. According to US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the joint campaign has struck over 15,000 targets in Iran since the air offensive began on 28 February 2026, averaging more than 1,000 strikes per day. Hegseth added that Iranian missile launchers, drones, and other weapons systems have been largely destroyed or intercepted, resulting in a dramatic reduction in retaliatory attacks — with missile launches down by around 90% and drone strikes by about 95%. He also stated that Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was injured in the strike that killed his father, Ali Khamenei, though details remain scarce and he has not appeared publicly since.

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The conflict has significantly affected global energy markets, as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which about 20% of the world’s oil typically passes. Oil prices briefly surged above $100 per barrel, while stock markets reacted to fears of prolonged supply disruptions. Despite the volatility, Hegseth described Iran’s actions in the strait as “sheer desperation” and downplayed the likelihood of a long-term crisis. Iranian officials, however, have warned that pressure on shipping could continue if attacks persist.

Trump’s suggestion that Putin may be aiding Iran has drawn attention from global leaders and analysts. European officials have criticized some US policies, such as recent adjustments to Russian oil sanctions, warning that they could inadvertently strengthen Moscow while the US confronts Tehran. Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict has already caused casualties and infrastructure damage across Iran, Israel, and neighboring countries hosting US forces, including Kuwait and Bahrain, raising fears of broader regional escalation. Analysts say that any evidence of Russian support for Iran could complicate international diplomatic efforts and risk further entangling multiple powers in the Middle East crisis.