Iran used Chinese spy satellite to target US bases in Middle East

Iran used a Chinese-made reconnaissance satellite to identify targets for recent strikes on US military bases in the Middle East, the Financial Times reported, citing leaked Iranian military documents.

The satellite, identified as TEE-01B and developed by Chinese firm Earth Eye Co, was reportedly acquired by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force in late 2024.

According to the report, Iran also gained access to a satellite control and data network operated by Beijing-based Emposat, expanding its surveillance reach across multiple regions.

Leaked documents and satellite imagery analysis suggest US military facilities were monitored before and after drone and missile strikes in March. These reportedly included Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air Base, Jordan’s Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, areas near the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, and Erbil airport in Iraq.

The Financial Times report also claimed that images of Prince Sultan Air Base were captured on March 13, 14, and 15, around the time US President Donald Trump confirmed a strike on the facility.

The White House, CIA, Pentagon, and Chinese foreign and defence ministries did not immediately comment. The companies named in the report also did not respond to requests for comment.