Russia’s Hidden Hand In Iran War & Trump Relents On Cuba Energy Blockade

March 31, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

Russia's alleged intelligence sharing with Iran on US targets in the Middle East, including satellite imagery of Prince Sultan Airbase before a major strike that wounded US troops and damaged aircraft, has raised concerns among Ukraine and European officials. While unverified and denied by Moscow, reports from CBS, AP, and others point to deepening Russia-Iran ties, including a shipment of upgraded drones from Russia to Iran—platforms refined in Ukraine. US officials, including Secretary Rubio, downplay the impact to avoid escalating involvement. Meanwhile, Ukraine is countering by finalizing drone defense deals worth billions with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and UAE, sharing tactics from its war experience and deploying 200 specialists to Gulf bases hosting US forces. Zelensky criticized US moves to ease Russian oil sanctions amid rising prices from the Iran conflict, calling it "strange" given Russia's role.

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What you'll learn

1 (00:50) **Russia's Role in Iran-US Conflict** - Claims Russia provides satellite intel aiding Iranian strikes on US assets like Prince Sultan Airbase
2 (03:42) **European Officials Confirm Russia-Iran Intel Sharing** - Allies warn of deeper operational ties beyond rhetoric
3 (05:27) **Russia Delivers Upgraded Drones to Iran** - Shipment of battlefield-tested systems from Ukraine experience
4 (06:30) **Ukraine Secures Gulf Drone Defense Deals** - Zelensky signs pacts with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE sharing anti-drone expertise
5 (07:41) **Zelensky Slams US Russia Sanctions Relief** - Calls it "strange" amid oil price surge boosting Moscow
6 (08:29) **US Weighs Easing Iran Oil Sanctions** - Plan to release limbo tankers and stabilize fuel prices risks funding Tehran
7 (11:23) **China Courts Taiwan Opposition Pre-Trump-Xi Summit** - Invites KMT leader Cheng Li-wun to Beijing to shape US arms sales debate

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Show Notes

In this episode of The President’s Daily Brief:

First—The war in Ukraine and the war with Iran may be starting to overlap in a new way. New claims suggest Russia is helping Iran target U.S. assets in the Middle East, while Ukraine works to help defend U.S. allies against that same threat. The question is: just how far does Moscow’s support for the mullahs go?
Later in the show—Beijing is making an early play ahead of the Trump-Xi summit, inviting Taiwan's opposition leader for a visit in an effort to shape the conversation around U.S. arms sales.
Plus—the Trump administration relents on the energy blockade of Cuba, allowing a sanctioned Russian oil tanker to reach the beleaguered island.
And in today’s Back of the Brief—after years of absence, the U.S. is reestablishing a diplomatic presence in Venezuela—pairing a reopened embassy with new licenses targeting Caracas' oil and mineral wealth.

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