Putin Calls Iran’s Pezeshkian After Khamenei Assassination, Urges Ceasefire as Reports Say Russia Shared Intelligence With Tehran
Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on March 6 as the war between Iran, the United States and Israel has entered a dangerous new phase following the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
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| Image Source: MFA Russia |
During the call, Putin stated Russia’s position that hostilities must end immediately and that disputes surrounding Iran and the wider Middle East should be resolved through political and diplomatic means rather than military force.
The Russian leader said he has been in continuous contact with leaders of Gulf Cooperation Council states amid the escalating crisis, signalling Moscow’s attempt to position itself as an active diplomatic player as the conflict spreads across the region.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian thanked Russia for what he described as solidarity with the Iranian people and briefed Putin on developments in the ongoing conflict. Both sides agreed to continue contacts through multiple diplomatic channels as the war intensifies.
At the same time, new allegations have emerged suggesting Moscow may already be playing a more active role behind the scenes in the conflict. According to two officials familiar with U.S. intelligence assessments, cited by the Associated Press, Russia has provided Iran with information that could potentially help Tehran target American warships, aircraft and other military assets operating in the region.
The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the intelligence, said the information could enhance Iran’s ability to track or strike U.S. forces deployed across the Gulf and nearby waters, the Associated Press reported.
However, the same officials cautioned that American intelligence has not found evidence that Russia is directing Iran on how to use the information it may have shared, according to the Associated Press. The development nevertheless indicates that Moscow may be moving closer to involvement in the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran.
Russia and Iran have deepened military ties in recent years, particularly during Moscow’s war in Ukraine, where Tehran has supplied drones and other equipment used by Russian forces. The relationship has evolved into a broader strategic partnership as both countries face Western sanctions and diplomatic isolation.
UPDATE: Responding to reports that Russia may have shared intelligence with Iran that could help target U.S. forces in the region, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington is closely monitoring the situation and incorporating it into military planning. In an interview with CBS’ 60 Minutes, Hegseth said the United States is “tracking everything” and that President Donald Trump is fully aware of contacts between foreign actors during the conflict. “The American people can rest assured their commander-in-chief is well aware of who’s talking to who,” he said, adding that any activities considered unacceptable are being confronted. Hegseth also dismissed concerns that Russian assistance could significantly endanger U.S. personnel, saying American forces remain focused on countering Iranian capabilities as the war continues.