Russian President Vladimir Putin has deep Islamic connections which he developed way back when he was a college student in Moscow, Republican presidential aspirant Ben Carson revealed recently.

During his guest appearance on CBN's The 700 Club on Friday, the retired neurosurgeon said Putin became acquainted with Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas in a university in Moscow.

"He has longstanding relationships down there. Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority and Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, were both classmates in the class of 1968 at Patrice Lumumba University in Moscow where they became acquainted with a young Vladimir Putin. So these are deep ties," Carson explained.

Carson spoke more about this unknown historical fact in a follow-up interview with CBN News. He said he learned about this fact from government advisers, whom he refused to name.

"That's what I call wisdom. You get these pieces of information. You talk to various people. You begin to have an overall picture. You begin to understand why people do what they do," Carson said in his interview.

The emerging Republican presidential frontrunner further said Putin's deep Islamic ties explain why Russia is making its presence felt in the Muslim world.

"And why it's so important for Putin to establish influence in that area now [is] because you see what his economic situation is, and he sees that as the quickest way to improve his economic situation," Carson explained.

"There's a lot more information that I've gotten that's probably not appropriate for revelation," he added.

Carson further said Putin has "expansionist ideas," which are hindered by Russia's current lack of economic resources.

"The price of oil has dropped tremendously which has hampered him severely. Now he's looking to extend his influence throughout the Middle East," the retired neurosurgeon said.

"I personally believe that he would very much like to get control of a lot of the energy resources in that area so that he can control pricing and bring himself back up where he wants to be," he added.

Carson further said the United States should make a tougher stance against Putin and his government.