China might have transferred its satellite to Iran for targeting American facilities
According to a report by the Financial Times, Iran allegedly received a reconnaissance satellite from China, which was used for observing and guiding strikes on American military facilities in the Middle East.
Chinese President Xi Jinping. Photo: Sergei Bobylev / Sputnik Kremlin Pool Photo via AP
It is reported that the satellite in question is TEE-01B. It was transferred to the aerospace forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps at the end of 2024 after being launched from Chinese territory. Along with this, Iran gained access to ground stations of the Chinese company Emposat, which allowed it to use and control the satellite.
According to leaked documents, Iranian military personnel used the satellite to monitor American bases in the region. Among them are airbases in Saudi Arabia and Jordan, as well as facilities in Iraq. The satellite allegedly took images before strikes on these targets.
The company that launched the satellite claims it was intended for civilian tasks. China also denies the accusations and states that it is not involved in the escalation of conflicts.
There are no official comments from the US regarding this situation, however, Donald Trump previously warned that China could face serious consequences in case of military support for Iran.