Documents: Iran used a Chinese satellite to monitor U.S. bases
A report by the Financial Times, citing leaked Iranian military documents, states that the air force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps monitored U.S. bases via a satellite before targeting them.
The newspaper reported on Wednesday that Iran secretly used a Chinese satellite for espionage, giving Tehran a new capability to target U.S. military bases across the Middle East during the recent war—developments likely to strain relations between the United States and China, despite Beijing’s repeated denial of providing any military support to Iran during the conflict.
According to the report, based on leaked Iranian military documents, the air force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps obtained from China the satellite (TEE-01B), built and launched by the Chinese company EarthEye, in late 2024 after it was placed into orbit.
Relying on dated coordinates, satellite imagery, and orbital analysis, the newspaper said Iranian military commanders directed the satellite to monitor key U.S. military sites. The Financial Times noted that images were captured in March before and after drone and missile strikes on those locations.
No comment has yet been issued by the White House, the Central Intelligence Agency, the Pentagon, China’s foreign and defense ministries, nor by EarthEye and Emposat, a Beijing-based company providing satellite control and data services across Asia, Latin America, and other regions.
Asked about the matter, the Chinese embassy in Washington told the Financial Times: “We firmly oppose the relevant parties spreading misleading information filled with speculation and insinuations against China.”
The newspaper reported that the satellite captured images of Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on March 13, 14, and 15. On March 14, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that U.S. aircraft at the base had come under attack.
The report added that the satellite also monitored Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, sites near the base of the United States Fifth Fleet in Manama, and Erbil airport in Iraq, at the same time the IRGC claimed attacks on facilities in those areas.
CNN had previously revealed that China was seeking to supply Iran with air defense systems in the coming weeks, citing sources described as “informed.”
Previous reports also spoke of Chinese military assistance to Iran during the war, which allegedly enabled Iranian forces to shoot down several advanced U.S. fighter jets.
Military cooperation between China and Iran has been developing noticeably, but remains largely indirect and focused on technological and strategic aspects. Available information suggests that China provides Iran with support in intelligence and advanced technologies, such as satellite imagery, navigation systems, as well as radar and electronic warfare technologies. This type of cooperation enhances Iran’s defensive and offensive capabilities, particularly regarding the accuracy of missiles and drones.
In addition, reports point to cooperation in industrial components and technologies involved in the development of military industries, including advanced electronics. This support is viewed as part of a broader partnership aimed at strengthening Iran’s self-reliance without engaging in direct military assistance.
On another level, joint military exercises are among the most visible manifestations of cooperation between the two countries, particularly in trilateral naval drills involving China, Iran, and Russia in strategic areas such as the Gulf of Oman. These exercises aim to enhance operational coordination, exchange expertise, and send political messages regarding regional balances.
Overall, this cooperation reflects a cautious strategic partnership, in which China seeks to support Iran within limits that avoid direct confrontation with Western powers.
