Report: Iran Used Chinese Satellite Imagery in Strike That Killed 3 U.S. Troops

A U.S. media outlet reported that Chinese satellite imagery was utilized in Iran's attack on a U.S. military base in Jordan that resulted in the deaths of three U.S. service members.

The Wall Street Journal reported on the 11th, local time, citing U.S. officials, that Iran acquired high-resolution satellite images of the base from China before launching an attack on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan on July 17.

Using ballistic missiles, Iran targeted U.S. military quarters at the base, killing three U.S. troops and injuring four others.

U.S. authorities assess that the Chinese satellite images obtained by Iran were used in the actual attack.

However, no evidence has been confirmed indicating that the Chinese government was directly involved in providing the satellite photos.

Senior U.S. officials reportedly raised the issue with the Chinese side regarding the use of satellite imagery in the attack on the U.S. base in Jordan, but China denied the allegations while demanding evidence.

U.S. officials did not disclose the names of the Chinese companies or institutions that provided the satellite images.

Previously, in May, the U.S. sanctioned three companies—MizarVision, EarthEye, and Chang Guang Satellite Technology—stating that Chinese private companies were providing satellite imagery related to U.S. forces to Iran.

At that time, MizarVision even analyzed and published movements of U.S. military bases and aircraft carrier strike groups in the Middle East as well as air defense system deployments on social media.

The United States has expressed concern that such satellite imagery could enhance Iran's attack capabilities.

Indeed, while Iran frequently targeted locations of limited military value in the early stages of the conflict, U.S. officials assess that the strike accuracy against U.S. military targets has recently increased.

Three days after the attack on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Iran also released high-resolution satellite images showing the damage sustained inside the base.

Satellite photos taken after an attack can likewise be utilized to evaluate strike effectiveness and determine targets for subsequent attacks.

The United States is also concerned about the possibility that Chinese satellite imagery could be used to target U.S. Navy ships deployed in the Middle East.

Recently, Iran fired ballistic missiles toward U.S. aircraft carriers and warships, with some attacks reportedly coming quite close to U.S. vessels.

(Photo: Screen capture from video released by SEPAHNEWS.COM, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.