Chinese Satellite Images Linked to Iran Strike on US Base

U.S. officials have connected high-resolution satellite imagery supplied to Iran by Chinese entities to a July missile attack on an American military base in Jordan that killed three U.S. troops, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

The officials did not identify the Chinese organizations allegedly involved and stopped short of accusing Beijing of directly assisting the attack. Iran reportedly obtained satellite images before and after the July 17 strike on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base.

Iranian ballistic missiles hit a housing area where American personnel were sleeping, killing three soldiers and injuring four others. The assault was among three missile strikes targeting the base within 24 hours and resulted in the first U.S. military deaths since an April ceasefire.

U.S. officials raised concerns about the satellite imagery with Chinese counterparts. Chinese officials challenged Washington's conclusions and requested supporting evidence. China's embassy in Washington said cooperation between China and Iran complies with international law but did not directly address the imagery allegations.

The development could increase U.S.-China tensions ahead of a planned September 24 summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Washington had previously warned Beijing that Chinese companies were supplying satellite imagery potentially useful to Iranian forces targeting U.S. military positions. In May, the Trump administration sanctioned Chinese companies MizarVision, Earth Eye and Chang Guang over related concerns.

American officials believe Iran's targeting capabilities improved during the summer after earlier U.S. attacks weakened Tehran's ability to monitor battlefield developments. High-resolution satellite imagery can provide updated information about military installations and help assess damage following attacks.

U.S. authorities are also investigating whether Chinese assistance has helped Iran track American naval forces. Tehran has recently launched ballistic missiles toward a U.S. aircraft carrier and other warships, while officials have observed improvements in Iran's ability to target moving vessels.

However, Chinese satellite imagery is believed to represent only part of Iran's intelligence network. Tehran also gathers information through its own satellites, human intelligence sources and assistance from Russia.