China Satellite Allegedly Aided Iran in Targeting US Bases: Financial Times Report

A recent report by the Financial Times has claimed that Iran used a Chinese satellite to monitor and potentially target U.S. military bases across the Middle East, raising serious concerns about regional security and technological warfare.

According to the report, the satellite was reportedly provided to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force in late 2024, with China assisting in its launch into orbit. The satellite was later handed over to Iranian authorities for operational use.

The publication alleges that Iranian military officials used high-resolution satellite imagery to track key U.S. military installations in the region. These included bases in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Djibouti, and Oman. The satellite reportedly captured images both before and after attacks, which were then used to assist in planning drone and missile strikes.

In addition to military targets, the report suggests that civilian infrastructure in Gulf countries—such as ports, power plants, and industrial facilities—was also monitored.

The satellite is said to have a resolution of approximately 0.5 meters, significantly improving Iran’s surveillance capabilities compared to its earlier “Noor-3” satellite.

Sources cited in the report claim that Iran spent around $36.6 million on acquiring and operationalizing the satellite system, including launch services, technical support, and data infrastructure.

However, China has strongly denied the allegations, stating that it opposes the spread of unverified information and remains committed to promoting peace and stability.

The claims, if verified, could mark a significant escalation in the use of space-based intelligence in modern conflict, further intensifying geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.