The United States has warned Russia not to become involved in the ongoing Iran war. The warning came after a telephone conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday. Following the call, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the discussion as a strong message from Washington to Moscow.

According to CNN, Hegseth said the phone conversation created an opportunity for some calm in the Ukraine war. He confirmed that Russia was cautioned during the call not to engage in the Iran conflict. Earlier, CNN had reported, citing related sources, that Russia had been providing Iran with intelligence on U.S. military targets.

The development comes amid heightened regional tensions, with reports of missile launches by Iran and threats of stronger U.S. retaliation if oil exports are disrupted.