Leaked military documents have revealed that Iran secretly acquired a Chinese spy satellite to target American bases in the Middle East during recent conflicts. Following its launch in 2024, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly gained control of Beijing’s TEE-01B satellite, tasking it with monitoring key US military installations in the region, as reported by the Financial Times.
Time-stamped records indicate that images were captured last month, both before and after Iranian drone and missile attacks on these very bases. Logs show the satellite, built by the Chinese company Earth Eye, photographed Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air Base on March 13, 14, and 15. During this period, Iran struck the base, damaging five US Air Force refueling planes. The satellite also imaged Jordan’s Muwaffaq Salti Air Base and locations near the US Fifth Fleet naval base in Bahrain and Iraq, which also faced IRGC attacks.
Nicole Grajewski, an expert on Iran at the Paris Institute of Political Studies, told the FT, “This satellite is clearly being used for military purposes, as it is being run by the IRGC’s Aerospace Force and not Iran’s civilian space program.” She added that “Iran really needs this foreign-provided capability during this war, as it allows the IRGC to identify targets ahead of time and check the success of its strikes.”
The TEE-01B, launched on June 6, 2024, was initially intended for agricultural, emergency management, and municipal transportation uses, according to Earth Eye Co.’s website. However, the IRGC reportedly took control of the satellite in September 2024 after paying approximately $36 million. Earth Eye confirmed an “in-orbit” transfer of the satellite to a member of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which Iran joined in 2021. This agreement grants the IRGC access to ground stations operated by Emposat, a Beijing-based satellite control and data services provider with extensive networks.
Neither Earth Eye Co. nor Emposat have publicly commented on the deal with Iran. This development raises concerns about China’s willingness to assist Iran, especially as Beijing is reportedly preparing to deliver new air defense systems to Tehran. Amid these reports, former President Trump stated on Wednesday that China has agreed not to arm Tehran, claiming an understanding was reached with Chinese leader Xi Jinping prior to their upcoming summit. “They have agreed not to send weapons to Iran,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
#Iran #China #USMilitary #SpySatellite #IRGC #MiddleEastConflict #Geopolitics #MilitaryIntelligence #AirForce #InternationalRelations