US officials have reportedly linked high-resolution satellite imagery provided by Chinese companies to an Iranian missile attack that killed three American soldiers in Jordan in July, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Officials familiar with the matter said Iran obtained satellite images before and after the July 17 attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base. Ballistic missiles struck a residential area at the base, killing three US troops and injuring four others.
The report described the development as the strongest indication so far that Chinese support for Iran during the conflict may have contributed to deadly consequences for US forces.
However, Washington has not accused the Chinese government of directly participating in the attack, and the Chinese companies allegedly involved have not been identified. US officials reportedly discussed the issue with their Chinese counterparts, who rejected the claims and asked Washington to provide evidence. China’s Foreign Ministry also accused unnamed actors of attempting to associate Beijing with the conflict.
The allegations have emerged shortly before a planned Sept. 24 meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. According to the report, the Trump administration is seeking to prevent tensions over the issue from affecting the upcoming summit.
Washington had already imposed sanctions on three Chinese companies in May over the sale of satellite imagery to Iran. US officials are now reportedly concerned that Chinese intelligence and satellite data could also be assisting Tehran in locating and targeting American naval vessels operating in the region.
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