Trump weighs Russia’s role in Iran war, says Putin may be helping ‘a little bit’
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump, on Friday, March 13, said he believes Russia may be providing some assistance to Iran amid ongoing hostilities involving the United States and Tehran.
The president made the remarks during a radio interview on Friday when asked about whether Russian President Vladimir Putin was supporting Iran following US strikes on the country.
Trump suggested that Russia could be offering limited support, while also noting that the United States has backed Ukraine in its war against Moscow.
His comments come as tensions surrounding the conflict with Iran continue and questions emerge about the involvement of other global powers.
Trump says Russia may help Iran, cites US backing Ukraine
During an interview with Fox News Radio, Trump was asked whether he believed Putin was supporting Iran in the current conflict following US military strikes.
“I think he might be helping him a little bit, yeah, I guess,” Trump said. “And he probably thinks we’re helping Ukraine, right?”
The president added that such actions reflect a broader geopolitical dynamic in which countries support opposing sides in global conflicts.
“Yeah, we’re helping (Ukraine) also,” Trump continued. “And so, (Putin) says that, and China would say the same thing. You know, it’s like, hey, they do it and we do it. In all fairness, they do it and we do it.”
Trump also discussed decision-making inside his administration during wartime, saying he allows national security officials to express their views but ultimately makes the final call.
“I let them speak their mind. And they do, and we have some differences, but they never end up being much. I convince them all to let’s do it my way,” Trump said.
His comments follow reporting that Russia may have been providing Iran with intelligence regarding the movements of US troops, ships, and aircraft.
People familiar with US intelligence assessments have indicated that Moscow could be sharing information about American military activities.
However, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously told reporters during a Pentagon briefing that Russia and China are “not really a factor” in the conflict with Iran.
Trump avoids Kharg Island question
During the same interview, Trump declined to directly answer questions about whether the United States might attempt to occupy or attack Iran’s Kharg Island, a key location for the country’s oil exports.
Kharg Island is a small island in the Persian Gulf that handles roughly 90% of Iran’s crude oil shipments and is widely considered a crucial part of the country’s energy infrastructure.
When host Brian Kilmeade asked whether the US was considering taking control of the island, Trump declined to elaborate.
“Brian, I can’t answer a question like that. … You shouldn’t be even asking it,” Trump said. “It’s one of so many different things. It’s not high on the list, but it’s one of so many different things, and I can change my mind in seconds.”
He also criticized the question itself, suggesting it would not be appropriate to discuss potential military planning publicly.
“OK, let’s say I was going to do it, or let’s say I wasn’t going to do it. What would I tell you? ‘Oh, yes, Brian, I’m thinking about doing it, let me, let me let you know what time and when it’ll take place.’ It’s not, you know, it’s sort of a foolish question,” Trump said.
