<p>Iran offered the Taliban bounties to attack US and coalition soldiers in Afghanistan, just as Russia allegedly did, CNN reported Monday citing US military intelligence.</p>.<p>CNN said the US identified payments tied to six attacks last year, including an attack in December on a building outside Bagram Air Base near Kabul.</p>.<p>The attack, which CNN said killed two Afghan civilians and left four Americans injured, brought US-Taliban peace negotiations to a temporary halt.</p>.<p>In a statement, the US Department of Defense would not confirm or deny the CNN report.</p>.<p>Major Rob Lodewick, a Pentagon spokesman, said they do not disclose details of internal discussions on intelligence.</p>.<p>However, he added, the department "has repeatedly demanded, both publically and privately, that Iran cease its scourge of malign and destabilizing behaviour throughout the Middle East and the world."</p>.<p>"Iran's inimical influence seeks to undermine the Afghan peace process and foster a continuation of violence and instability," he added.</p>.<p>In June US media reported that intelligence had determined that Russia had offered the Taliban bounties to kill US soldiers in Afghanistan.</p>.<p>The report was not denied by top officials, and was characterized by some as based on inconclusive information.</p>.<p>But it became a political issue after the White House was questioned and President Donald Trump denied he had ever been briefed about the allegations.</p>
<p>Iran offered the Taliban bounties to attack US and coalition soldiers in Afghanistan, just as Russia allegedly did, CNN reported Monday citing US military intelligence.</p>.<p>CNN said the US identified payments tied to six attacks last year, including an attack in December on a building outside Bagram Air Base near Kabul.</p>.<p>The attack, which CNN said killed two Afghan civilians and left four Americans injured, brought US-Taliban peace negotiations to a temporary halt.</p>.<p>In a statement, the US Department of Defense would not confirm or deny the CNN report.</p>.<p>Major Rob Lodewick, a Pentagon spokesman, said they do not disclose details of internal discussions on intelligence.</p>.<p>However, he added, the department "has repeatedly demanded, both publically and privately, that Iran cease its scourge of malign and destabilizing behaviour throughout the Middle East and the world."</p>.<p>"Iran's inimical influence seeks to undermine the Afghan peace process and foster a continuation of violence and instability," he added.</p>.<p>In June US media reported that intelligence had determined that Russia had offered the Taliban bounties to kill US soldiers in Afghanistan.</p>.<p>The report was not denied by top officials, and was characterized by some as based on inconclusive information.</p>.<p>But it became a political issue after the White House was questioned and President Donald Trump denied he had ever been briefed about the allegations.</p>