Putin Sees U.S. as Weakened by Iran War - Intel Report

Thursday, August 27, 2026

The classified assessment of the Kremlin's thinking preceded CIA Director John Ratcliffe's secret trip to Moscow this week.

August 27, 2026 at 5:26 p.m. EDT Today at 5:26 p.m

CIA Director John Ratcliffe's mysterious trip to Moscow this week was preceded by fresh U.S. intelligence indicating that the Kremlin sees the United States as weakened by the Iran war, offering Russia an opportunity to escalate action against American interests and allies in Europe, according to two people familiar with the matter.

Posted by Corky at 09:37 PM | 13 COMMENTS | permalink | Comment on This Entry |

The classified intelligence suggesting that Putin sees the U.S. as weakened by the six-month-old war in Iran follows reports of diminished troop readiness and munitions shortfalls as a result of the extended campaign against Tehran.

U.S. military stockpiles of key weapons have been severely depleted, including Patriot and other air-defense platforms, as well as sophisticated offensive weapons like Tomahawk cruise missiles and the short-range Army Tactical Missile System, which is also in demand in Ukraine.

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(click on the link to the paywalled washpo story at the politicalwire thread link}

The intel says Trump is warning Putin not to ramp up against Ukraine... which is more likely Trump asking Putin to do exactly that, and against NATO... so as to make an excuse to interfere in our Elections here.

Also, yet another Epstein Deflection.

#1 | Posted by Corky at 2026-08-27 09:44 PM | Reply

... The classified intelligence suggesting that Putin sees the U.S. as weakened by the six-month-old war in Iran follows reports of diminished troop readiness and munitions shortfalls as a result of the extended campaign against Tehran. ...

Well, yeah.

What else was expected?

Given Pres Trump's history of apparent mismanagement (how many casino bankruptcies?), what other outcome from his war of choice against Iran would be expected?

And to repeat... casino bankruptcies.

C-a-s-i-n-o---b-a-n-k-r-u-p-t-c-i-e-s

#2 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-08-27 10:11 PM | Reply

The bloated sack of shit-soaked Depends is completely incompetent and divorced from reality. Too bad Republicans are such gutless pussies.

#3 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2026-08-27 10:29 PM | Reply

@#3 ... Too bad Republicans are such gutless pussies. ...

Usually, when I get around to reading your comments, they are full of dashes.

But the excerpt I quoted seems to be a quite apropos description of the Congressional Republicans.

thx.

#4 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-08-27 10:36 PM | Reply

"FUNNY"

#5 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2026-08-27 10:41 PM | Reply

... The classified intelligence suggesting that Putin sees the U.S. as weakened ...

Well, the US is reported to have diminished its military presence in the so-called Far East (i.e., Japan and that area).

Then, I also see this ...

US military damage sustained through Iran war marks 'end of an era' in Middle East strategy (July 2026)
www.abc.net.au

Lots of photos to illustrate what is reported.

#6 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-08-27 11:14 PM | Reply

the US is reported to have diminished its military presence in the so-called Far East

They lost the only carrier in the area when USS Washington headed to the mid-east to relieve the beleaguered USS Lincoln. Now that USS Roosevelt is soon on the way, Washington may go back to Japan.

#7 | Posted by REDIAL at 2026-08-27 11:21 PM | Reply

So, with the weakened military posture of the US in the area, how might China be looking at Taiwan f late?

#8 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-08-28 12:20 AM | Reply

how might China be looking at Taiwan f late?

I'd imagine there are a lot of submarines around there.

#9 | Posted by REDIAL at 2026-08-28 12:23 AM | Reply

@#9 ... I'd imagine there are a lot of submarines around there. ...

yeah.

But likely also more provocative actions ...

Confrontation Over Taiwan
www.cfr.org

...
Overview

China's claim to sovereignty over the island of Taiwan and President Xi Jinping's stated objective of "re-unification" by 2049 have driven an escalating campaign of grey zone pressure, including air defense zone incursions and expanding Coast Guard operations.

Trump's contradictory statements on U.S. defense commitments have deepened uncertainty in Taipei, while a recent PLA missile test signals an enhanced nuclear second-strike capability.

A conflict would devastate global semiconductor supply chains, with severe economic consequences.
...

#10 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-08-28 12:31 AM | Reply

But likely also more provocative actions ...

With Lewzer's calm, steady hand on the rudder, there is little to be concerned about.

#11 | Posted by REDIAL at 2026-08-28 12:39 AM | Reply

@#11 ... With Lewzer's calm, steady hand on the rudder ...

You should have at least put a smiley-face on that one.

;)

#12 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-08-28 12:52 AM | Reply | Funny: 1

No s*&^, did anyone really need to be told that by an "intelligence assessment"?

I wouldn't be surprised if this entire Iran War was pushed by Putin as our Ukraine.

Expend our munitions, highlight the deficiencies in our capabilities a la modern drone warfare and isolate us internationally.

Russia is certainly getting what it paid for to elect Trump.

#13 | Posted by jpw at 2026-08-28 03:58 AM | Reply