CIA director confirms Iran seeking intelligence support from Russia, China

CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed on Wednesday that Iran is seeking intelligence assistance from Russia, China and other U.S. rivals as the U.S. and Israeli militaries continue to pummel the Islamic Republic with airstrikes. 

“The Iranians are requesting intelligence assistance from Russia, from China and from other adversaries of the United States, and whether or not those countries are [providing assistance] is something we can talk about in the classified portion,” Ratcliffe said during the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence hearing on “Worldwide Threats.” 

When asked by Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) whether Ratcliffe made an assessment and analyzed traffic communications, Ratcliffe said he knows the “answer” and is “happy to discuss that with you in the classified portion.” 

Earlier in the hearing, Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) asked Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard about news reports that Russia is providing intelligence assistance to Iran, including satellite imagery, and if she can provide an update on the development to the committee. 

“If there is that sharing going on, that would be an answer that would be appropriate for a closed session,” Gabbard responded. 

When King pointed out that the intelligence sharing was reported by multiple news outlets, Gabbard repeated her initial response and added that according to the Pentagon, “any support that Iran may be receiving is not inhibiting their operational effects.” 

“OK, that’s sort of a first cousin of a ‘yes,’” King concluded. 

U.S. special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff said in a recent interview that Russian officials said during a call that they haven’t been sharing intelligence with Iran to target U.S. service members and outposts in the Middle East. 

“I can tell you that yesterday, on the call with [President Trump], the Russians said they have not been sharing,” Witkoff said on CNBC. “That’s what they said. So, we can take them at their word, but they did say that.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi highlighted Tehran’s ties to Moscow, saying earlier this month the two sides have “a very good partnership,” but he declined to confirm whether Russia is providing Iran with intelligence aid. 

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