Iran used Chinese satellite imagery to attack the US base in Jordan
Iran used Chinese satellite imagery to strike US base in Jordan
Iran used high-resolution satellite images provided by Chinese entities during an attack on an American military base in Jordan in July. Three US service members were killed in this attack.
US officials stated that Tehran obtained high-resolution satellite imagery of the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, which was heavily damaged in the July 17 strike. Officials did not disclose the names of the Chinese entities, nor did they suggest that the Chinese government was directly involved in the attack.
This report emerged amid rising tensions between Washington and Beijing ahead of a meeting scheduled for September 24 between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
American officials have been warning for months that Chinese companies have been selling satellite imagery that Iran could use against American forces.
In July, Iranian ballistic missiles struck the housing area of the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in northeastern Jordan, killing three US soldiers and wounding four. Officials said Iran also targeted manned and unmanned aircraft at the base.
This attack was the first time US military personnel were killed since the April ceasefire. Following this, concerns grew in Washington regarding Iran's increasing capability to locate and strike American military facilities.
Within three days after the attack, Iran published high-resolution images showing the damage caused to parts of the base. According to publicly available low-resolution satellite imagery, more than 20 structures were damaged.
US officials said this is the most credible evidence showing that China's support for Iran during this war has had fatal consequences for American forces.
Chinese officials denied these allegations and demanded that evidence be provided. It is noted that Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, accused critics of using the conflict to deliberately slander other countries. He also added that China's cooperation with Iran complies with international law.
US officials note that Iran relies on intelligence and imagery obtained from Russia, as well as its own satellites and sources. Iran last attacked the American military base in Jordan on the night of September 9. However, Jordan's air defense systems shot down 18 of Tehran's 20 missiles.