The US has claimed that Russia is involved in Iran’s war against the US
General Dan Kane, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated during Senate hearings on 30 April that Russia is taking action to support Iran in its war against the United States.
He declined to provide details, citing the public nature of the hearings, but noted that such activity is taking place.
Republican Senator Roger Wicker, who chairs the committee, stated during the hearings that Vladimir Putin’s Russia is taking serious steps to undermine US efforts in Iran. In response, Kane confirmed that such actions are taking place.
According to US media reports, Russia has been providing Iran with intelligence and weapons since the start of the war, as well as assisting in identifying targets for strikes against US military facilities in the Middle East.
Kane’s statement came after a meeting between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg, where the two sides reaffirmed their strategic partnership.
Russia and Iran signed a strategic partnership agreement in January 2025. Moscow has also repeatedly condemned the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which began on 28 February and sparked conflict in the region.
Amid disruptions in energy markets, Russia has received additional revenue from oil exports, as well as a temporary easing of US sanctions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously stated that the US leadership underestimates the partnership between Russia and Iran.
Iran, for its part, supports Russia in the war against Ukraine, in particular by supplying Shahed strike drones and facilitating the development of their production.
The Senate hearings took place as part of the review of the US defence budget for the coming year. Donald Trump’s administration is proposing defence spending of around $1.5 trillion.
At the same time, US military aid to Ukraine has fallen by 99% in the first year since Trump returned to power.
