A senior former US diplomat has openly questioned President Donald Trump’s warm relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, even as Russia deepens its alliance with Iran, one of the United States’ main adversaries.
On March 15, Michael McFaul, a former US ambassador to Russia, raised the concern in a public message shared on X, saying Russia is now Iran’s closest ally and questioning why Trump continues to treat Putin as a friend.
Russia and Iran are currently cooperating closely in military operations, sanctions evasion, and drone warfare that has affected conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
“Russia is Iran’s closest ally in the world. So why does Trump keep treating Putin like a friend? I don’t get it,” McFaul wrote.
McFaul’s Main Issue
Russia and Iran have built a tight partnership since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Iran has supplied Russia with thousands of attack drones, while Russia has helped Iran improve drone tactics, military planning, and intelligence sharing.
This has led to Russian forces using Iranian‑designed drones to strike Ukrainian cities for years.
Russia later began mass‑producing the drones inside various parts of the country, turning them into a central weapon of its war strategy.
Iran has since used similar drone tactics against US allies in the Gulf.
Russia and Iran now share battlefield experience, technology, and methods to overwhelm air defences.
The partnership has raised alarm in the U.S, where Iran remains under heavy sanctions and is viewed as a direct security threat.
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Russia has also provided diplomatic cover for Iran at international forums, helped it soften the impact of sanctions, and supported Tehran during recent regional crises.
Why the U.S is Alarmed
For the U.S., Russia’s growing role as Iran’s main strategic partner complicates foreign policy, as the two countries are aligned against U.S influence in Europe and the Middle East.
American officials have warned that Russian support strengthens Iran’s military reach and emboldens its regional actions.
The use of shared drone technology has already forced the US and its allies to change most of their air defence strategies.
Michael McFaul argues that these facts should shape how the U.S deals with Russia.
In his view, friendly language toward Putin ignores the reality of Russia’s actions and alliances.
McFaul served as US ambassador to Russia from 2012 to 2014 and has remained a leading voice on Kremlin politics.
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He has consistently criticised moves that he believes reward Russian aggression.
Trump’s History with Putin
President Donald Trump has a long record of speaking positively about Vladimir Putin, often calling him “smart” or a “strong leader.”
He has defended direct talks with the Russian president, arguing they can deliver faster results than traditional diplomacy.
During his current term, Trump has repeatedly said he wants to end the Ukraine war quickly and has held direct engagements with Moscow.
He has framed his dealings with Putin as pragmatic and results‑driven.
At the same time, Trump has taken a tough stance on Iran, backing sanctions and supporting military pressure against Tehran.
Political Debate Inside the U.S
Michael McFaul’s remarks have also revived debate in the United States over how Washington should deal with Russia.
McFaul, who served as US ambassador to Russia under President Obama, argues that Russia’s growing partnership with Iran should push the U.S to take a tougher stance against Moscow.
Many Democrats and foreign policy experts share this view, saying friendly language toward Vladimir Putin risks weakening U.S alliances.
However, some Republicans support President Donald Trump’s approach of direct engagement with Russia, arguing that dialogue with Putin could help end the war in Ukraine faster and reduce global tensions.
