China Denies Supplying Iran Intelligence Linked to Attack That Killed US Troops

China Denies Supplying Iran Intelligence Linked to Attack That Killed US Troops

China has rejected as “groundless” reports that Chinese entities supplied Iran with satellite imagery of a US military base in Jordan before and after an Iranian missile attack that killed three American troops in July.

The denial followed a report by The Wall Street Journal, which cited unnamed US officials as saying that Iran obtained high-resolution satellite images of the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, where US forces are stationed, from Chinese entities.

The July 17 Iranian missile attack on the base killed three US Army soldiers and injured four others, according to US officials cited in the report.

The US officials reportedly linked the satellite imagery to the Iranian attack but did not identify the Chinese entities involved. Importantly, the report did not accuse the Chinese government of directly ordering, coordinating or facilitating the strike.

Chinese officials have rejected the allegation and demanded evidence, maintaining that Beijing complies with international law and opposes what it described as unfounded accusations.

The development has nevertheless raised fresh questions in Washington over the growing strategic relationship between China and Iran, particularly amid the wider US-Iran conflict and continuing tensions between Washington and Beijing.

The report said the satellite images were obtained before and after the attack, potentially giving Iran detailed information about the military facility and helping it assess the impact of its strikes.

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US officials have previously expressed concern about China’s technological and satellite-related links with Iran. Washington sanctioned three China-based satellite companies in May over allegations that they supported Iran’s military operations.

The latest report has intensified scrutiny of the role of commercial and private Chinese entities in providing technology or imagery that could potentially enhance Iran’s military capabilities.

However, US President Donald Trump has sought to play down the significance of the latest allegations.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump was asked whether he would raise the issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their expected meeting in the United States.

Rather than directly addressing whether Beijing should be held responsible, Trump compared Chinese intelligence-gathering activities with those of the United States.

Trump also maintained that he has a good relationship with Xi, saying the Chinese leader had behaved reasonably well and that Washington and Beijing had likewise conducted themselves reasonably.

The comments come as the United States and China attempt to manage several areas of tension, including trade, technology, national security and China’s relationship with Iran.

The allegations are particularly sensitive because the reported transfer of imagery occurred before an attack that resulted in the deaths of American service members.

The Iran missile strike in Jordan was part of the broader conflict involving Iran and the United States, which has increasingly drawn in regional actors and raised concerns about the security of American military personnel and facilities across the Middle East.

The Wall Street Journal report, according to Reuters, could not immediately be independently verified. It also did not establish that Chinese authorities themselves provided the imagery or that Beijing had prior knowledge of the Iranian attack.

The distinction is significant because evidence that individual Chinese companies or entities supplied commercial satellite imagery would not, by itself, establish direct involvement by the Chinese government.

The controversy comes ahead of a potential meeting between Trump and Xi, with the two leaders expected to meet in the United States on September 24, although Beijing had not officially confirmed the meeting as of Monday.

China’s denial and Trump’s decision to downplay the allegation could help prevent the issue from becoming a major diplomatic confrontation ahead of the anticipated meeting.

For now, the central question remains whether Chinese commercial entities provided the imagery to Iran and, if so, what information was transferred and whether it materially contributed to the Iranian operation that killed the three US troops.

The allegations are likely to remain under scrutiny as Washington assesses the extent of Chinese support for Iran and its possible implications for US military operations in the Middle East.

China Denies Supplying Iran Intelligence Linked to Attack That Killed US Troops