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European powers on Thursday accused Russia of helping Iran target US forces jin the Middle East war and said they would raise the issue with US Secretary of StateMarco Rubio at a meeting of G7 foreign ministers in France.
The Arab News reports that Rubio is joining the second day of the gathering of ministers of leading Western democracies, taking place amid wars in Iran and Ukraine, economic uncertainty and mounting unease over unpredictable US foreign policy under Donald Trump.
Two Western security sources and a regional official close to Tehran told Reuters that Russia has been providing satellite imagery to Iran and also helped Iran upgrade its drones to emulate the equivalent versions used by Russia against Ukraine.
Other media outlets have also reported that Russia is aiding Iran in the conflict with the United States and Israel, just as Tehran has helped Moscow in its war against Ukraine.
However, Russia has denied sharing intelligence with Iran on US military assets in the Middle East, US special envoy Steve Witkoff said earlier this month in a CNBC interview. “We can take them at their word,” Witkoff said.
Before heading to Europe, Rubio also appeared to play down concerns about the accusation against Moscow.
“I think Russia is primarily concentrating on the war they have going on right now. Beyond that, I don’t have anything to add right now,” he said.
But two European diplomats said ministers aimed to press the issue during the meeting on Friday.
Speaking at a news conference, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said, “It is a proven fact that cooperation has existed and continues to exist between Russia and Iran in both directions, and we are fully aware of this.
“There is reason to believe that today Russia is supporting Iran’s efforts, both military and otherwise, which appear to be directed in particular, against American targets.”
