US President Donald Trump said Friday he believes Russian leader Vladimir Putin is aiding Iran in the ongoing war against the United States and Israel.
“I think he might be helping him a little bit, yeah, I guess. And he probably thinks we’re helping Ukraine, right?” Trump told Fox News Radio.
The remarks follow US media reports that Russia has provided targeting information to Iran for attacks on US forces during the conflict.
Trump’s comments came as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reported that US and Israeli forces have struck more than 15,000 targets since the air campaign began on February 28.
“Between our air force and that of the Israelis, over 15,000 enemy targets have been struck. That’s well over 1,000 a day,” Hegseth told reporters, noting Friday would see the highest volume of strikes so far.
He said the campaign has sharply reduced Iran’s retaliatory capability.
“Iran’s missiles, their missile launchers and drones (are) being destroyed or shot out of the sky,” Hegseth said, adding missile attacks have fallen by 90% and drone strikes by 95%.
Hegseth also said Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei was “wounded and likely disfigured” in the initial February 28 attack that killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iranian officials confirmed Mojtaba Khamenei was wounded but have provided no details, and he has not appeared in public since taking office.
The conflict has caused major turmoil in global energy markets after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world’s oil normally flows.
Oil prices surged above $100 a barrel earlier this week, while stock markets have been volatile amid fears of prolonged disruption.
Hegseth dismissed long-term concerns over the strait.
“They are exercising sheer desperation in the Straits of Hormuz, something we’re dealing with, we have been dealing with it, and don’t need to worry about it,” he said.
Iranian officials have vowed to maintain pressure on shipping through the strategic chokepoint and warned of escalation if attacks continue.
