CIA Director Warns Iran Seeks Intelligence Help From Russia and China

CIA Director John Ratcliffe testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee on March 18, 2026, stating that Iran is requesting intelligence assistance from Russia, China, and other adversaries of the United States. Ratcliffe warned that Iranian space launch vehicles are helping the regime develop booster technologies that could eventually enable missiles to reach the continental United States. He further noted that Iran had specific plans to hit U.S. energy sites across the region.

These warnings follow a Wall Street Journal report alleging that the Federal Government of Russia is providing Iran with satellite imagery and advanced drone components to help Tehran target U.S. military bases in the Gulf. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed these claims as disinformation and fake news. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that Russian officials denied sharing intelligence to target U.S. service members.

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard testified that the intelligence community is monitoring Iranian missile capabilities and threats to energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz. While Senator Angus King referenced the reports of Russian intelligence sharing, Gabbard declined to confirm those details in open session. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described a very good partnership with Moscow but did not confirm specific intelligence aid. These tensions occur as the U.S. continues Operation Epic Fury to degrade Iranian missile production.