European allies say Russia is helping Iran more than the U.S. has acknowledged, sources say

Key Points:

• European allies have informed U.S. diplomats that Russia is materially supporting Iran's war efforts beyond U.S. public acknowledgment, with cooperation between Russia and Iran linking the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
• The U.K. and France report expanded Russian-Iranian defense collaboration, including Iran transferring drone technology to Russia, which is aiding drone warfare in both regions; Russia is also believed to be providing intelligence to Iran targeting U.S. military assets.
• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy presented evidence that Russian satellites are sharing intelligence with Iran to target U.S. bases in the Middle East and Gulf, while the U.S. and EU officials warn of Russia's role in enabling Iranian attacks against American interests.
• Despite these concerns, U.S. officials like Senator Marco Rubio downplay the impact of Russian support for Iran on U.S. operations, affirming that defensive equipment sales to Ukraine remain unaffected but may be redirected if necessary.
• U.S. intelligence indicates limited cooperation among China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea aimed at countering U.S. influence, but stops short of full adversary alignment, while demand grows for U.S.-made missile interceptors among Israel, Gulf allies, and Ukraine.