Russia Evacuates Iranian Diplomats Amid Rising Tensions in Middle East

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The shadow of Russia has returned to the Middle East, raising questions about its involvement in the recent conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel, and the possibility of Russian support for Tehran.

A Lebanese official, speaking on Sunday on condition of anonymity, revealed that more than 100 Iranians, including diplomats, were evacuated from Beirut overnight on a Russian aircraft. The official stated, “A total of 117 Iranians, including embassy staff and diplomats, were flown out of the Lebanese capital on a Russian plane late Saturday night.”

The announcement comes after the Israeli military confirmed earlier on Sunday that it targeted Iranian operatives in Beirut, following an attack on the Ramada Hotel in the Rousheh district.

Intelligence Sharing Concerns

The evacuation follows U.S. Special Envoy Stephen Wittkoff’s confirmation that he requested Russia not to share intelligence with Tehran. When asked if he had urged Moscow to withhold information about Iranian targets and support, Wittkoff replied, “I made that request explicitly.”

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the United States “does not know” whether Russia is providing information to Iran but added on Saturday, “there are no indications that Moscow is helping Tehran.”

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in an interview with CBS scheduled to air on Sunday, said the issue does not concern him. “We are monitoring everything,” he noted, without confirming the intelligence reports.

Recent U.S. intelligence sources suggested that Russia had supplied Iran with locations of American military assets, including ships and aircraft. However, the White House has downplayed the significance of the matter. White House spokesperson Caroline Leavitt said last Friday, “This does not make a meaningful difference to U.S. military operations in Iran, as we can neutralize them completely.” She added, “We are achieving the objectives of this operation and will continue to do so.”

Russia and Iran entered a strategic partnership last year that includes military cooperation and arms collaboration. However, the agreement does not obligate either country to intervene if one is attacked.

Photo Credit: AFP