US President Donald Trump has played down a report that Chinese entities allegedly supplied Iran with satellite images of a US military base in Jordan before a deadly missile strike.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Iran obtained high-resolution satellite imagery of the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base before and after the July 17 attack. Three US soldiers died in the strike.
However, US officials did not identify the Chinese entities involved. They also did not accuse the Chinese government of directly supporting the attack.
Trump Compares US and Chinese Spying
Trump addressed the China Iran intelligence report while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One.
He compared China’s alleged intelligence activity with US surveillance operations.
Trump said that China spies on the United States, but added that Washington also conducts intelligence operations against Beijing.
The president therefore appeared reluctant to escalate the issue publicly.
Deadly Iranian Strike Hit US Base in Jordan
Iran launched missile strikes against the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan on July 17.
The attack killed three US Army soldiers and wounded four others, according to reports.
US officials have linked the satellite imagery obtained from Chinese entities to the attack. However, the available reporting does not establish that Chinese authorities directly ordered or coordinated the Iranian strike.
China Rejects Allegations
US officials reportedly raised the satellite imagery issue with their Chinese counterparts.
Chinese officials asked Washington to provide evidence of the alleged transfer. They also denied that Chinese companies were involved in providing imagery to Tehran, according to the Wall Street Journal report.
Beijing has also rejected broader accusations that it is providing improper support to Iran.
As a result, the allegations remain a sensitive issue between Washington and Beijing.
Trump and Xi Face New Tensions
The China Iran intelligence report comes at a particularly sensitive moment.
Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to meet at the White House on September 24. The reported intelligence connection could add another difficult issue to their discussions.
Still, Trump said Xi has behaved reasonably and indicated that he wants to maintain a working relationship with the Chinese leader.
US Has Already Targeted Chinese Satellite Firms
Washington has previously taken action against Chinese companies accused of supporting Iran’s military capabilities.
The United States sanctioned three China-based satellite companies in May over allegations that their services helped Iran’s military operations.
The latest report could therefore increase pressure on the Trump administration to examine how Chinese commercial satellite technology reaches Tehran.
China Remains a Key Partner for Iran
China has close economic ties with Iran and remains a major buyer of Iranian oil.
Beijing also maintains important diplomatic relations with Tehran. That relationship has drawn increasing attention as the conflict between Iran and the United States continues.
For Washington, the issue is especially sensitive because improved satellite intelligence could help Iran identify US military positions and other strategic targets.
Trump Keeps Focus on US-China Relations
Despite the controversy, Trump has continued to speak positively about his relationship with Xi.
He also rejected the idea that the latest allegations would necessarily derail broader US-China engagement.
Meanwhile, questions remain about whether Chinese commercial satellite services played a meaningful role in improving Iran’s targeting capabilities.
What Happens Next?
The China Iran intelligence report could become another source of tension before the expected Trump-Xi meeting.
For now, Washington has not publicly accused Beijing of directly ordering or coordinating the attack.
Instead, US officials are examining the role of unidentified Chinese entities and the satellite information they allegedly provided.
The issue is likely to remain under scrutiny as the United States weighs its relationship with both China and Iran.
