China-Linked Entities Gave Iran Satellite Images Before Deadly US Base Strike in Jordan

US officials have alleged that China-linked entities provided Iran with high-quality satellite imagery of a US Air Force base in Jordan before and after a July missile attack that killed three American service members.

The imagery was reportedly connected to the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, which was targeted by Iran on July 17. According to US officials cited in the report, the satellite information represented the clearest indication so far that Chinese support to Iran during the conflict may have contributed to the deaths of US troops. However, the officials stopped short of accusing the Chinese government of directly participating in the attack.

US officials reportedly raised the matter with Chinese counterparts. Beijing rejected the allegations and asked Washington to provide evidence. A Chinese Embassy spokesperson said cooperation between China and Iran was consistent with international law and accused critics of attempting to smear other countries.

US President Donald Trump has played down the report, saying China conducts surveillance against the United States just as Washington monitors China. Asked whether he would raise the matter with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their expected September 24 meeting, Trump did not give a direct answer.

The July 17 Iranian ballistic missile attack killed First Lt Tyler James Feehan, Pvt Isabella Gonzales and Sgt Angel S Rampersad, while four other US service members were wounded. Iranian missiles struck a housing area where American personnel were sleeping and also targeted aircraft at the base.

Concerns over Chinese satellite assistance to Iran had emerged months earlier. Washington sanctioned three China-based satellite companies in May, accusing them of providing imagery that could support Iranian military operations and endanger US and allied personnel. Beijing has denied helping Iran target American forces.

Iran also carried out another strike on the Jordanian base on September 10. Reports said several US aircraft were damaged, though Trump disputed those claims.