That reports CNN citing a Western intelligence official. Specifically, it is about tactics in the use of Shahed drones – those Iranian-developed missiles mass-produced by Russia that were already used in the Ukraine war.

These include swarm flights with regular course changes in order to outwit enemy anti-aircraft systems. “What was initially general support is now becoming increasingly concerning, particularly with regard to the drone deployment strategies used by Russia in Ukraine,” CNN quoted the unnamed official as saying.

Russia probably gave Iran target data for drone attacks

At the same time, concerns about the threat situation in the Strait of Hormuz are growing: The intelligence official was “really concerned” about a possible Iranian use of mines, sea drones and even primitive fishing boats against US carrier groups. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj said on X that Russia had begun to provide Iran with missile support and air defense assistance.

For its part, Kyiv has Drone experts sent to the Gulf region and offers his experience in intercepting Shahed drones – with self-developed interceptor drones that, at around 5,000 euros, are significantly cheaper than the attack drones to be combated. The intelligence official also described China’s support for Iran as “worrying” without giving details.

Reports on Iran-Russia cooperation

Reports about Russia’s support for Iran are increasing. The Trump administration’s reaction has so far been remarkably cautious.

Russia and Iran have been cooperating on drone and missile technology for at least four years: Iran supplied Russia with Shahed drones and short-range ballistic missiles for the war against Ukraine and helped build a massive drone factory on Russian soil.

Now Moscow appears to be paying off the debt, according to a report by the US broadcaster CNN Russia faces this Iran Targeting data ready to attack American troops and military installations in the Middle East. Iran attacked, among other things, US military installations in Riyadh, a naval command center in Bahrain and US radar installations in various Gulf states.

Anti-aircraft system for the mullahs

Even before the start of the war, Russia had supplied Iran with Mi-28 attack helicopters and Yak-130 training aircraft. In December, both countries concluded a deal for shoulder-mounted Werba anti-aircraft systems worth around 500 million euros. Western experts already considered this worrying at the time.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration’s response to the intelligence reports has been remarkably tame. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Fox News that the alleged intelligence cooperation “makes no real difference” to US military operations.

Hegseth “not worried” about Iranian-Russian cooperation – Trump is becoming aggressive

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on CBS that the government was “not concerned” about possible Russian support for Iran.

President Trump himself reacted sharply to questions about this: When Fox News reporter Peter Doocy asked him about Russia’s role, Trump snapped: “What a stupid question that is to ask now.”

Trump ambassador Witkoff: “We can take the Russians at their word”

Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff went one better – and referred to Putin’s denial: “We can take them at their word,” said Witkoff in an interview with CNBC about Russian assurances that they would not provide Iran with any information.

At the same time, Washington eased sanctions on Russian oil. A move that European Council President António Costa said Russia “gains new resources to finance its war against Ukraine, while benefiting from the withdrawal of American military capabilities to the Middle East.”

Republican Rep. Joe Wilson summed up the bipartisan outrage over the Trump administration’s lackadaisical response to the news: “War criminal Putin is killing Americans by providing intelligence to Iran. Russia must be held accountable.”