Russia Denies Sharing Intel on US Troops with Iran, Witkoff Says

White House says Russia claims it has not been sharing intelligence with Iran about US military assets in the Middle East.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff said that during a phone call with President Trump, Russian officials denied sharing intelligence on U.S. military assets in the Middle East with Iran. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Trump and Witkoff sent a message to Russia that they would not be happy if such intelligence sharing was taking place, and they hope it is not occurring.

Why it matters

The potential sharing of U.S. troop locations and other military intelligence with Iran by Russia could enable Iran to target specific American assets with ballistic missiles and drones, putting U.S. service members at risk. This would further escalate tensions between the U.S. and Iran amid ongoing conflicts in the region.

The details

According to Witkoff, Russian officials told President Trump during a phone call that they have not been sharing intelligence with Iran. The White House said they conveyed to Russia that such intelligence sharing would be unacceptable. ABC News had previously reported that the U.S. believes Russia has been providing Iran the locations of American troops, aircraft, and ships in the Middle East, based on intelligence.

  • On Monday, President Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin for about an hour.
  • On Tuesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt discussed the call between Trump and Putin.

The players

Steve Witkoff

A U.S. special envoy who spoke about the call between President Trump and Russian President Putin.

Karoline Leavitt

The White House press secretary who discussed the call between President Trump and Russian President Putin.

Vladimir Putin

The President of Russia who spoke with President Trump on the phone.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who spoke with Russian President Putin on the phone.

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What they’re saying

“We can take them at their word. That's a better question for the intel people, but let's hope that they're not sharing.”

— Steve Witkoff, U.S. special envoy (CNBC)

“If that was taking place. It's not something they would be happy with, and they hope that it is not taking place.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary (White House press conference)

What’s next

The White House and U.S. intelligence community will likely continue to monitor the situation and any potential intelligence sharing between Russia and Iran regarding U.S. military assets in the Middle East.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and mistrust between the U.S. and Russia, as well as the potential risks to U.S. service members if sensitive military intelligence is shared with Iran. It underscores the delicate geopolitical situation in the region and the need for careful diplomacy and information-sharing between global powers.