US officials claim China supplied satellite images to Iran before July missile strike
Unidentified Chinese entities reportedly gave Iran high-resolution satellite photos of a Jordanian base two days before an attack that killed three US soldiers. Washington has raised the issue with Beijing, which refuses to admit involvement.
US officials stated that specific Chinese sources provided Iran with precise satellite imagery of the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan prior to July 17. The images captured high-resolution views of the facility before and after an Iranian missile launch. That attack resulted in the deaths of three US Army personnel stationed at the base. These officials connected the availability of the detailed photographs to the timing and execution of the strike, though they did not name the Chinese organizations or accuse Beijing directly. They confirmed that Iran received this data both before and after the July 17 event. While Washington has warned China against arming Iran and previously sanctioned satellite firms linked to Tehran's military operations, Beijing denies any role in supplying images. US representatives have discussed the matter with Chinese counterparts, potentially leading to further diplomatic friction during an upcoming White House meeting scheduled for September 24 between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping.
