Russian satellites helping Iran to target US troops? Trump says he'll ask Putin

After Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of helping Iran target US military bases in the Middle East through satellite surveillance, US President Donald Trump said he would ask Russian President Vladimir Putin directly about the allegations.

"I'll ask Putin about it. We'll find out," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, while insisting any such assistance had "hasn't had much impact because we've knocked the hell out of" Iran.

The allegations surfaced after Zelenskyy said Ukraine had gathered evidence which showed Russia conducting satellite surveillance of Gulf states and American military installations before the imagery was passed to Iran. In a post on X, the Ukrainian President said, "Since the beginning of July, we have recorded active Russian satellite surveillance of the Gulf states and US military facilities located there."

"These images subsequently appear in Iran. At the same time, there is a clear correlation between Russia's satellite imagery of these sites and Iranian strikes -- both before the attacks, in preparation for them, and afterward, to assess the damage inflicted," he added.

He also cited specific examples, saying that on July 19 and 20, Russian satellites focused on four military air bases -- two in Bahrain, one in Jordan and another in Kuwait -- which later became part of Iran's operational planning.

"The purpose is clear. None of us in the world should turn a blind eye to one very simple fact: evil always seeks ways to make things worse and spread further. Russia must be stopped. This war must be stopped. Pressure on the aggressor must work," Zelenskyy said.

TRUMP SAYS DIPLOMACY IS THE PRIORITY

Despite the allegations, Trump indicated that diplomacy with Iran remains Washington's immediate focus. Referring to the recent pause in military operations, Trump said Iran had requested renewed negotiations after sustained US strikes.

"They asked us very nicely, 'Please stop, let's meet,'" Trump said. "And that's where we are right now; see what happens. If we don't make a deal, we go back to the same thing."

Trump has repeatedly argued that the recent US campaign severely weakened Iran's military capabilities, which is why he downplayed the potential significance of any Russian intelligence support.

CLAIMS OF RUSSIAN SUPPORT ARE NOT NEW

Zelenskyy's allegations are the latest in a series of claims that Moscow has quietly assisted Tehran during the conflict.

According to CBS News, Russia had been sharing information with Iran regarding US military positions across the Middle East. Multiple US media outlets in recent months have also reported that China may have played a supporting role, although no public evidence has confirmed Beijing's direct involvement.

The issue resurfaced during a recent congressional hearing when US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was asked whether Russia and China were helping Iran. While declining to discuss classified intelligence in detail, Hegseth admitted that America's strategic rivals were assisting Tehran in some capacity.

"There's definitely adversary alignment, attempts to do so, and there are many ways that we deter that. And the depth and extent of it ought to remain classified, and it should," Hegseth said.

"But there are ways in which both of those countries are limiting, at different levels, enabling some of the things Iran is doing, yes."

TRUMP EARLIER DISMISSED THE POSSIBILITY

Trump's latest remarks represent a more cautious approach compared with his earlier statements. Only days ago, the US President said he did not believe either Russia or China was actively helping Iran. Writing on Truth Social, Trump said both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping had assured him they were not involved.

"Therefore, two major countries that people speak of often in terms of Iran are, in my opinion, not participating," Trump wrote.

"If they did, it would be very bad for them -- Certainly not in their best interests."

Now, however, Trump says he intends to seek clarification directly from Putin following Zelenskyy's accusations.

The war with Iran continues to exact a heavy toll on American troops stationed across the Middle East. According to available figures, 18 US service members have been killed since the war with Iran began, while at least 624 others have been injured. Among the latest casualties were three US soldiers killed in an Iranian strike on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan and another soldier who died during a controlled demolition of an Iranian drone in Iraq.

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With inputs from agencies