Overview
- U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff told CNBC that Russian officials denied sharing intelligence with Iran and said the U.S. can take them at their word after calls involving President Trump and Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov.
- Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration warned Moscow that such assistance would be unacceptable and expressed hope it is not occurring, declining specifics on Trump’s conversation with Vladimir Putin.
- CNN, citing Western intelligence, reported Russia is assisting Iran with advanced drone tactics, marking a shift from previously reported general targeting support.
- Coverage notes Shahed-style drones have been penetrating Gulf air defenses, and U.S. briefings acknowledge current counter-drone options are limited and costly.
- Media figures criticized Witkoff’s stance, and MS NOW quoted an unnamed U.S. official asserting Russia is providing intelligence help to Iran.