Iran used Chinese spy satellite to target US bases, FT reports

A report by the Financial Times, citing leaked Iranian military documents, alleges that Iran has secretly obtained a Chinese spy satellite, the TEE-01B. This acquisition, reportedly made in late 2024, grants the Islamic Republic a significant new capability to monitor U.S. military bases across the Middle East. The satellite, developed by the Chinese company Earth Eye Co., was allegedly under the direction of the IRGC's Aerospace Force, tasked with observing key American installations.

The report claims that the satellite captured imagery of U.S. military sites, including Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, and locations near the U.S. Fifth Fleet naval base in Bahrain, as well as Erbil airport in Iraq. These images were reportedly taken in March, both before and after drone and missile strikes on these locations, which were claimed by the IRGC. This alleged surveillance capability raises serious concerns about regional security and the potential for escalation.

While Reuters has stated it could not independently verify the report, and official responses from the White House, CIA, Pentagon, and Chinese authorities were pending, the implications are significant. The alleged deal also suggests Iran gained access to commercial ground stations operated by Emposat, a Beijing-based satellite services provider. From our perspective at The Straits Times, this report, if true, underscores the growing sophistication of Iran's military intelligence capabilities and highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics involving China, Iran, and the United States in the region. The ability to conduct such detailed surveillance could significantly impact military planning and response strategies for all parties involved.