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

The Wall Street Journal has reported that Chinese entities may have provided Iran with satellite images of a base in Jordan before and after an attack that resulted in the deaths of three US soldiers. This incident has the potential to escalate tensions between Washington and Beijing. On July 17, Iran conducted missile strikes on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, which serves as a location for US forces.

Three US Army soldiers were killed in the attack. Although unnamed US officials did not disclose the specific Chinese entities involved, they did not attribute the blame directly to Beijing. US officials have brought up the matter with their Chinese counterparts and it may be a topic of discussion when US President Donald Trump meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House on September 24.

When confronted by US officials, Chinese authorities were asked for evidence of the transfer of satellite imagery and refused to admit involvement, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. President Trump has cautioned Beijing against selling weapons to Iran, and in May, Washington imposed sanctions on three China-based satellite firms for facilitating Iran's military operations.

China is a significant economic partner of Iran, importing a large portion of its oil output, as well as a crucial diplomatic ally.