U.S. officials have linked Chinese-supplied satellite imagery to Iran’s ballistic missile strike on a Jordanian air base that resulted in the deaths of three American service members, according to multiple reports. The missile attack occurred on July 17 at the Muwaffaq Salt Air Base in Jordan, targeting a housing area within the facility.
The high-resolution satellite images of the base before and after the strike were reportedly provided by Chinese companies, which U.S. sources say were obtained by Iran to assist in planning the attack. Officials have not publicly identified the specific Chinese firms involved and did not accuse the Chinese government of direct participation in the alleged transfer of this intelligence.
The missile strike killed Army Sergeant Angel S. Rampersad, 28, from Ozone Park, Queens; First Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan, 25, from Hawaii; and Private First Class Isabella Gonzales, 19, from Texas. Four additional U.S. service members sustained injuries during the incident.
When senior U.S. officials raised concerns about the satellite imagery’s role in the attack during discussions with Chinese counterparts, Chinese officials reportedly demanded evidence and denied any involvement by Chinese companies in assisting Iran, according to U.S. sources.
Separately, a report published earlier this year indicated that Iran acquired a Chinese surveillance satellite, the TEE-01B, in September 2024 for approximately $36 million. Iran has allegedly used this satellite to monitor U.S. military installations across the Middle East, underscoring broader security concerns about the proliferation of Chinese technology in the region.
The alleged transfer of satellite intelligence to Iran and its subsequent use in the Jordanian missile attack have heightened tensions surrounding China’s role in providing sensitive technology to countries seen as adversaries of the United States and its allies. The incident adds to growing scrutiny of Chinese companies’ involvement in arms proliferation and their connections to Iranian military capabilities. U.S. officials continue to investigate the extent of China’s involvement and maintain diplomatic efforts to address these concerns.