China-Linked Entities Gave Iran Satellite Images Before Deadly US Base Strike: Report
US officials have linked China-associated entities to satellite imagery supplied to Iran before a missile strike on a US base in Jordan that killed three American troops.
US officials have reportedly linked China-associated entities to the supply of satellite imagery to Iran before and after a July missile strike on a US Air Force base in Jordan that killed three American troops. The allegation has added another layer to tensions between Washington and Beijing over China’s relationship with Tehran.
The imagery was reportedly provided for the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base before and after Iran’s July 17 ballistic missile attack. US officials described it as significant evidence that Chinese support to Iran may have contributed to the deadly strike, while stopping short of accusing Beijing of directly participating in the attack.
China has rejected US allegations that its companies supplied satellite imagery to help Iran target American forces and has asked Washington to provide evidence. Chinese officials have also defended cooperation with Tehran as being consistent with international law.
US President Donald Trump played down the report, saying China conducts surveillance against the US just as Washington monitors Beijing. He also maintained that he has a good relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The July attack killed three US service members and wounded four others after Iranian missiles struck a housing area at the Jordanian base.
Washington had previously sanctioned China-based satellite companies over alleged assistance to Iran’s military activities. Iran later launched another attack on the same base on September 10, reportedly damaging US aircraft, though Trump disputed those reports.
