Did Iran secretly use Chinese satellite to target US bases during war? Report says…
Iran is reported to have used a satellite of Chinese origin to observe US military activity across the Middle East during a recent period of heightened tensions, according to a report published by the Financial Times.
The satellite, identified as TEE-01B, was originally developed and launched by a Chinese aerospace company known as Earth Eye Company. However, it is now believed to have come under the control of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), specifically its Aerospace Force division, after being transferred following its successful deployment into orbit.
Unusual ‘in-orbit delivery’ model under scrutiny
The spacecraft was reportedly acquired through a lesser-known arrangement described as ‘in-orbit delivery.’ Under this model, satellites are launched from China and only handed over to foreign buyers once they are fully operational in space.
This approach, while not widely discussed publicly, is said to allow overseas clients to obtain ready-to-use satellite systems without managing the risks of launch failures.
As part of the broader arrangement, Iranian operators were also reportedly given access to commercial satellite ground stations operated by Emposat, a Beijing-based firm that provides tracking and communication services across multiple regions including Asia and Latin America.
Monitoring of key US and allied military bases
The report claims that the satellite was directed to observe several strategically significant military locations across the Gulf region and beyond.
Among the sites allegedly monitored were Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, where satellite imagery was captured over a three-day period in mid-March. This timeframe coincided with reports acknowledging damage to US aircraft stationed at the base.
Other installations reportedly under observation included Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, areas near the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain and Erbil Airport in Iraq. These locations are often considered key operational hubs for US military activity in the region.
The surveillance scope was also said to extend to additional US-linked facilities such as Camp Buehring and Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti and Duqm International Airport in Oman.
Civilian infrastructure also reportedly observed
Beyond military sites, the satellite is also claimed to have captured imagery of several major civilian and industrial facilities across the Gulf region.
These included the Khor Fakkan container port in the United Arab Emirates, the Qidfa power and desalination complex and Bahrain’s Alba aluminium plant, one of the largest industrial facilities of its kind globally.
Intelligence cooperation allegations and international concerns
The report cites unnamed former Western intelligence officials who suggested that the satellite’s deployment may not have occurred without approval at a governmental level in China. They also indicated that Beijing could be indirectly assisting Iran’s intelligence capabilities while maintaining an official distance from direct military involvement.
The alleged activity has raised concerns among Gulf countries, particularly given China’s strong economic presence in the region and its position as a major trading partner and energy importer.
Wider claims of external intelligence support
In addition to the reported Chinese satellite access, earlier assessments have suggested that Iran may have also received satellite intelligence support from Russia, particularly following escalations in military strikes involving Iran, the US and Israel earlier this year.
China denies military involvement
China’s Foreign Ministry has repeatedly rejected accusations that it is providing any form of military assistance to Iran. Officials maintain that China’s cooperation with Iran remains within the boundaries of peaceful and civilian use.
However, US officials have previously alleged that China has supported Iran’s ballistic missile program indirectly through dual-use industrial components that can be adapted for military production.