Chinese satellite firms allegedly supplied Iran imagery for US base strike

US officials have identified Chinese satellite firms as the providers of high-resolution imagery used by Iran during a July 17 ballistic missile strike on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. The attack resulted in the deaths of three US service members.

The intelligence suggests that Chinese commercial vendors supplied imagery both before and after the strike. While US officials have not accused the Chinese government of direct participation, they noted this as significant evidence of Chinese support for Tehran during the 2026 war. This differs from previous instances where Iran reportedly purchased operational control of specific satellites, such as the TEE-01B, through commercial ground stations.

In response, Beijing has dismissed the claims, requesting substantiating evidence and asserting that its relationship with Tehran aligns with international law. The State Department has previously sanctioned several China-based firms, including Meentropy Technology, The Earth Eye, and Chang Guang Satellite Technology, for providing imagery that could be used against US forces. These tensions arise ahead of a scheduled meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on September 24.