Iran used Chinese-sourced satellite images to target US bases, intelligence reveals – report

Iran reportedly used high-resolution satellite imagery, sourced from Chinese entities, to target a US base in Jordan in July, resulting in the deaths of three American soldiers and four injuries. According to The Wall Street Journal, US officials drew a direct link between the Chinese-sourced images and the July 17 strike on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, though direct Chinese government involvement was not confirmed. Iran allegedly acquired these images both before and after the assault, subsequently publishing detailed visuals of the damage. US officials have raised these findings with Chinese counterparts, who denied the allegations and requested evidence. A Chinese Embassy spokesperson accused unnamed parties of "maliciously linking and smearing other countries." This disclosure comes ahead of a planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Analysts suggest this imagery, alongside other intelligence, contributed to an observed improvement in Iranian targeting accuracy. The Trump administration previously sanctioned three Chinese companies—MizarVision, Earth Eye, and Chang Guang—for allegedly providing satellite imagery usable by Iran.