U.S. links Chinese satellite imagery to Iranian strike that killed three troops

High-resolution satellite imagery provided by Chinese entities assisted Iran in carrying out its attack on an American base in Jordan, resulting in the death of three US troops, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. Tehran obtained these images of the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, which sustained significant damage in the 17th of July strike, from Chinese sources.

However, US officials did not name the entities nor imply direct involvement by the Chinese government. The report surfaced as tensions between Washington and Beijing heighten ahead of a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on September 24th. Since the attack, Iran has released high-resolution images of the affected areas.

This incident, according to US officials, is the most compelling evidence to date of Chinese support for Iran during the conflict, resulting in loss of American lives. China has denied these allegations and requested evidence. Iran also utilizes its own satellites, human intelligence, and information from other nations including Russia.

While China has supplied attack drones to Iran and potential ballistic missile support, US officials expressed concerns over China's role in tracking American naval assets, though recent attempts to hit US warships have been unsuccessful.