Alert Level One: Middle East Conflict Escalates as US Threatens Russia Over Iran

The conflict in the Middle East has brought new escalation. The United States has threatened Russia regarding its intelligence involvement in the Middle East war.

The White House stated that President Donald Trump would not be “pleased” if Russia shared intelligence with Iran during the Middle East conflict, on Tuesday local time. Previously, the Washington Post reported on Friday that Moscow had provided sensitive intelligence to Tehran, including the locations of US warships and aircraft in the region.

“The President and his special envoy (Steve) Witkoff both stated that, of course, they have sent messages to Russia that if that were to happen, it is not something they would like and they hope it does not happen,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt during a press conference, cited by AFP on Wednesday (11/3/2026).

Meanwhile, Witkoff, an entrepreneur who has led US talks with Russia and Iran over recent months, said Russia should be trusted when they deny sharing intelligence with Tehran. The statement was believed to be made to avoid further escalating the tense situation.

“I am not an intelligence officer, so I cannot tell you,” Witkoff told CNBC International.

“I can tell you that in yesterday’s telephone call with the President, Russia said that they have not shared. That is what they said. So we can trust their word,” he stressed.

On Monday, Russia declined to say whether the US had warned it against sharing intelligence with Iran. Russia is a close ally of Iran, with both having agreed last year to mutually assist each other against “common threats”.