US envoy accepts Putin's denial on Iran intel sharing

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced Tuesday that the Trump administration is prepared to accept Russian assurances that Moscow is not providing intelligence to Iran regarding the locations of American military assets in the region. Speaking to CNBC, Witkoff revealed that President Vladimir Putin directly conveyed this denial to President Donald Trump during their Monday telephone conversation, with Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov subsequently reiterating the message to Witkoff and Jared Kushner in a separate call.

"We can take them at their word," Witkoff stated, while acknowledging the inherent limitations in verifying such claims. "Let's hope that they're not sharing," he added, deferring technical verification to intelligence agencies when pressed about independent confirmation. The remarks follow Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's confirmation that Russia is providing military assistance to Tehran "in many different directions," though Araghchi did not specify whether this includes intelligence sharing about US forces.

Diplomatic window with Tehran

Regarding potential negotiations with Iran, Witkoff left the door open while maintaining a firm stance. "So, let's see if the Iranians want to talk. I'm sure the president would be open to it. But right now, peace through strength matters," he said, echoing Trump's recent comments to Fox News that Tehran "wants to talk badly" but any dialogue would depend on acceptable terms. The envoy identified Iran's reported stockpile of 460 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium as a primary concern justifying continued military pressure. "There is no reason to be at 60%. None. Zero reason, unless you're pursuing a weapon," Witkoff asserted, warning that the material could potentially be converted into a "dirty bomb."

Israel's vulnerability and US coordination

Witkoff painted a stark picture of Israel's strategic position, describing the country as exceptionally vulnerable to nuclear attack. "Israel is a one bomb country. One bomb takes them out," he stated, underscoring Washington's security commitments to its ally. Addressing reports that a planned visit to Israel had been postponed due to US concerns about strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, Witkoff dismissed such claims, insisting "I don't really think there are many differences" with Israel and that the visit would likely proceed the following week for coordination purposes.

The diplomatic exchanges occur against the backdrop of intensifying conflict that began Feb. 28 when the US and Israel launched joint operations against Iran, resulting in more than 1,200 reported deaths including Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Tehran has responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf nations hosting American assets, with eight US service members killed since operations commenced. Türkiye continues monitoring these developments closely, as regional instability threatens to impact security dynamics along its borders.