US officials have linked high-resolution satellite imagery from Chinese sources to Iran’s July 17 missile strike on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, which killed three American soldiers and injured four others. The imagery, obtained before and after the attack, is described as the clearest evidence yet of indirect Chinese support for Iran’s military operations against US forces, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing unnamed officials.
The strike marked the first American combat deaths since an April ceasefire and was part of three missile attacks on the base within 24 hours, escalating tensions in the region. Officials stated that the imagery likely helped Iran identify targets and assess damage, though they did not confirm direct involvement by the Chinese government. The US has raised concerns with Beijing, which has denied any state-level involvement and demanded evidence of the allegations.
Diplomatic tensions ahead of Trump-Xi summit
The revelation comes weeks before a planned September 24 meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. US officials had previously warned Chinese counterparts about reports that Chinese companies were supplying satellite imagery to Iran, which could be used to target American forces. Beijing has rejected these claims, with a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy stating that any such cooperation does not violate international law and calling the allegations ‘maliciously linking and smearing other countries.’
Improved Iranian targeting linked to high-resolution imagery
Officials noted that Iran’s access to high-resolution imagery was particularly significant because earlier US strikes had damaged Iranian radar and surveillance equipment, limiting Tehran’s ability to monitor American positions. Prior to obtaining the imagery, Iranian forces struggled to identify high-value targets, often striking less critical locations. However, officials said Iran’s targeting accuracy improved during the summer, coinciding with the acquisition of the satellite images.
Three days after the attack, Iran released high-resolution images documenting damage across three sections of the base, visuals more detailed than commercial satellite imagery reviewed by the Journal. The images showed harm to more than 20 structures, including housing areas where US troops were sleeping during the strike.
US response and ongoing investigations
The US has not publicly identified the Chinese entities involved in supplying the imagery. Officials told the Journal that they have raised the issue directly with Chinese counterparts, who demanded evidence and rejected the allegations. The Pentagon has not commented on the specifics of the report but has previously emphasized the need to address threats posed by Iranian-backed attacks in the region.
The victims of the July 17 attack were honored at a military ceremony on July 22, where Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth saluted the fallen service members. The incident has intensified scrutiny of China’s indirect role in the conflict and raised questions about the potential consequences for US-China relations ahead of the upcoming summit.