During a phone call on Monday, Russian leaders told President Donald Trump that they are not sharing intelligence with Iran amid the ongoing conflict, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said in an interview with CNBC.
“We can take them at their word,” Witkoff said on CNBC’s “Money Movers.” “Let’s hope that they’re not sharing.”
The conversation between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin comes after concerns were raised about whether Moscow could be passing sensitive information to Iran regarding the conflict and U.S. military movements.
Background of the Call
The call followed media questions regarding Russia’s possible sharing of intelligence with Iran. Last week, Trump publicly reacted to a Fox News reporter asking about the issue, prompting further attention to the matter.
According to Witkoff, the Russian leadership firmly denied the allegations during the discussion, reassuring the former U.S. president that no intelligence is being shared with Iran.
U.S. Response
While Witkoff acknowledged he is not an intelligence officer and cannot independently verify Russia’s statements, he indicated that, for now, the United States is relying on Russia’s assurances.
The envoy’s comments highlight the delicate balance in U.S.-Russia communications and the continued concern over Iran’s potential access to foreign military intelligence.
Broader Context
The issue is further complicated by U.S. policy decisions involving sanctions. Witkoff was asked whether Russia might be sharing intelligence with Iran about U.S. military assets, and if that could relate to the Trump administration’s previous waiver of sanctions on Indian refiners buying Russian oil.
He clarified that he could not speak from an intelligence perspective but underscored that diplomatic channels continue to address these sensitive matters.
Implications
This exchange emphasizes ongoing tensions around international intelligence sharing and the U.S.’s vigilance in monitoring potential risks from Russian and Iranian coordination. The assurances given to Trump, whether fully verified or not, serve as a temporary diplomatic measure to manage these concerns.
In a recent call, Russian officials told President Trump they have not shared intelligence with Iran during the war, according to U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. While the U.S. cannot independently verify the claim, the conversation illustrates ongoing diplomatic efforts to navigate sensitive intelligence and sanctions-related issues.
