European allies say Russia is providing more direct support to Iran than the United States has publicly acknowledged, according to diplomatic sources.
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Officials from several European countries have privately and publicly told American counterparts that Moscow is materially assisting Iran’s military activities.
They argue the conflict involving Iran is increasingly linked to the war in Ukraine, pointing to growing cooperation between Moscow and Tehran.
Europe warns of deeper Russia–Iran cooperation
A British official said defence ties between the two countries have expanded significantly in recent years. According to the United Kingdom’s assessment, Iran supplied Shahed drones to Russia for use in Ukraine and also transferred production expertise.
The official said this exchange has contributed to advances in Iran’s drone warfare capabilities, although they could not confirm any recent transfer of hardware from Russia to Iran.
France and Ukraine raise intelligence concerns
Jean-Noël Barrot, foreign minister of France, described the relationship between Moscow and Tehran as “two-way cooperation”.
He said there are reasons to believe Russia is now supporting Iran’s military efforts, particularly operations that could target American interests.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, president of Ukraine, said Kyiv possesses what he described as “irrefutable evidence” that Russia is supplying signals and electronic intelligence to Iran.
According to Zelenskyy, intelligence briefings indicated Russian satellites photographed several facilities linked to the United States and its allies across the Middle East.
Locations cited included the joint US–UK military base on Diego Garcia as well as sites in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar.
Zelenskyy made the remarks while visiting the United Arab Emirates, where he has promoted Ukrainian anti-drone technology to Gulf states concerned about Iranian attacks.
Washington plays down impact
Senior US officials have taken a more cautious public stance on the extent of cooperation between Russia and Iran.
Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, said Moscow’s actions were not affecting American military operations.
“There is nothing Russia is doing for Iran that is impeding or affecting our operation or its effectiveness,” Rubio told reporters following a meeting of the Group of Seven countries.
However, other Western officials have taken a stronger view. Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s top diplomat, said Russia is providing intelligence support that could help Iran target American personnel.
She told G7 leaders that Moscow was helping Tehran gather intelligence and providing drone-related assistance.
Broader security concerns among allies
John Healey, the UK defence secretary, told the BBC News he believed the “hidden hand” of Vladimir Putin could be seen behind Iran’s military activities.
US defence secretary Pete Hegseth said the administration of Donald Trump was closely monitoring contacts between the countries.
A recent assessment from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence said there is “selective cooperation” among Russia, Iran, China and North Korea.
The report said the countries share a goal of countering US influence but stopped short of describing their relationship as a full alliance.
Meanwhile, demand is increasing among Israel, Gulf states and Ukraine for US-made missile interceptors used to defend against incoming attacks.
Rubio said current transfers of defensive equipment to Ukraine had not yet been affected by rising demand in the Middle East, although he acknowledged the United States could redirect weapons in the future if necessary.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 March 2026
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