Text taken from the Telegram channel of voiceofiran_ru
Commentary by Russian military journalist Boris Rozhin is in italics.
[ColonelCassad] Iranian sources claim that CIA Director John Ratcliffe flew to Moscow to pressure Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Iranian sources, the Kremlin refused and the threat of American sanctions against companies trading with Iran does not faze Russia.
Russia rejected the US demand to pressure Iran. According to two high-ranking Iranian sources familiar with the briefing, CIA Director John Ratcliffe's visit to Moscow was accompanied by an American demand that Russia pressure Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz, the Hormuz Letter. Washington warned that otherwise, Russian banks, trading companies, and shipping companies involved in Iranian oil, gold, and aviation supplies could be subject to sanctions under Operation Economic Outcast.
However, Moscow rejected this demand. Russian representatives informed Iran that the measures threatened by the United States would have limited consequences for Russia and would not significantly affect its position. Thus, Moscow effectively made it clear to Washington that it does not intend to use its influence on Tehran to further American policy regarding the Strait of Hormuz
The Kremlin previously commented on the visit of the CIA Director to Russia. The Kremlin on the visit of the CIA Director to Moscow.
1. Putin was informed about the results of contacts with CIA Director Ratcliffe. There were no contacts between Putin and the CIA Director.
2. It is premature to talk about the influence of the CIA Director's contacts with Russian intelligence services on resolving the crisis in Russia-US relations.
3. Contacts between Russian and US intelligence services continue even during the most difficult periods in bilateral relations.
4. Visits of other high-ranking US representatives to Russia are not planned in the near future;
--(c) Peskov
How close to the truth the Iranian statements are will be seen soon enough. If everything is as the Iranians are reporting, then in the next couple of weeks the US should impose sanctions against Russian companies and government entities associated with supporting Iran and trading with it.
Earlier, the US announced it would wage an economic war against the Iranian economy and pressure countries that trade with Iran and help it evade sanctions.
More from renum.ru
Trump called the CIA chief's visit to Moscow part of routine.
On August 26, US President Donald Trump stated that Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe's visit to Moscow was part of routine.
"This (Ratcliffe's visit to Moscow – Ed.), you know, is a fairly ordinary, practically routine meeting. I'm sorry to upset people," the American leader said in an interview with journalist Glenn Beck.
The White House chief noted that Ratcliffe's visit could yield some results, and Washington would like to see the Ukrainian crisis end. Trump, however, reiterated that the conflict would never have started if he were president in 2022.
Ratcliffe arrived in Moscow on August 25 aboard an American Boeing C-17. Foreign media reported that the CIA chief intended to hold meetings in Moscow. Details of his visit were not disclosed.
Later, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the contacts took place through official services. He had no contact with President Vladimir Putin, but the head of state was promptly informed of everything.
In March 2025, Ratcliffe spoke by telephone with Sergei Naryshkin, head of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service. The two sides discussed cooperation between the two intelligence agencies in areas of common interest and crisis management. The head of the SVR had previously stated that the heads of the intelligence agencies effectively maintained a direct line of communication and could quickly arrange a telephone conversation if necessary.
Related
US allies lack confidence that the Strait of Hormuz has been completely cleared of mines
US allies believe the Strait of Hormuz has not yet been fully cleared of mines, despite President Donald Trump's claims to the contrary. Bloomberg reported this,citing sources.
"US allies are privately warning that the Strait of Hormuz is likely still mined," the publication noted.
According to the allies, demining is complicated by the fact that some mines have shifted their positions due to sea currents, requiring advanced technology. The Europeans want Iran to allow Oman to launch a similar mission.
The US Navy has cleared all mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The US President made this announcement on August 25. Trump assured Iran that any ship laying new mines would be immediately destroyed.
On August 15, the head of the Islamic Republic's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abbas Araghchi, stated that Iran is not yet ready to resume negotiations with the United States, and the issue of opening the Strait of Hormuz remains unresolved.
On August 16, The Wall Street Journal, citing sources, reported that intelligence services in several Arab countries have learned of Iran's preparations to escalate its war against the United States and Israel. It is noted that Tehran's primary goal is to inflict damage on the enemy that will permanently prevent a repeat of the attacks of past conflicts.