- Is Russia providing military intelligence to Iran to attack U.S. forces?
- Multiple Western intelligence agencies have confirmed that Russia is supplying Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps with real-time targeting data on U.S. aircraft and warships operating in the Persian Gulf. The intelligence channel was reportedly established after hostilities began on February 28, 2026, and has contributed to more accurate Iranian missile and drone targeting.
- Why would Russia help Iran attack U.S. military assets?
- Russia benefits from the U.S.-Iran conflict in three direct ways: it diverts American military attention and resources away from European deterrence; it keeps Brent crude above $110/barrel, generating an estimated $300-400 million per day in additional Russian oil revenues; and it divides Western diplomatic focus at a moment when Russia is conducting its most intense spring offensive in Ukraine.
- How is the U.S. responding to Russia's intelligence sharing with Iran?
- The State Department summoned Russia's ambassador and delivered a formal demarche on March 24. The NSC is considering expanded sanctions on Russian energy companies, accelerated weapons transfers to Ukraine, and potential offensive cyber operations against the GRU communication infrastructure used to relay targeting data. The administration has avoided publicly declaring the intelligence sharing an act of war.
- Has Russia's intelligence support helped Iran hit U.S. military targets?
- The U.S. has not suffered casualties from Iranian attacks that involved Russian targeting data. All 14 Iranian ballistic missiles in the March 24 attack on the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier group were intercepted by Aegis defense systems. However, U.S. military analysts noted the missiles were more accurately targeted than previous Iranian long-range attacks, and two U.S. unmanned aerial vehicles were destroyed in incidents in early March.
- What sanctions could the U.S. impose on Russia for helping Iran?
- Options under discussion include expanded secondary sanctions on Russian energy companies (targeting the oil revenues Russia earns from elevated crude prices), sanctions on specific GRU units involved in the intelligence-sharing operation, and restrictions on the sale of Western technology to Russian defense firms. Secondary sanctions — which target non-U.S. companies doing business with Russia — are considered the most economically impactful tool available short of military action.
