Four sources told CNN that US intelligence assessments say Chinese satellite imagery has helped Iran improve targeting of US bases and ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Officials say it enabled a precise July strike on a Jordan base that killed three US service members.
US officials say the precision of the July strike was otherwise beyond Iran’s capabilities. They cannot quantify China’s role or determine whether Beijing ordered the support or tacitly allowed it; officials disagree over its scale. Russia has also supported Iran, while combat experience and Chinese- and Russian-provided technical help with missile and drone guidance are cited as other factors. In May, the US sanctioned three Chinese satellite firms, saying their imagery enabled strikes on US forces.
Sources say Chinese geospatial data helps Iran track US escort operations and time heat-seeking drone launches at ships in the Strait. During one recent escort, US forces intercepted more than a dozen Iranian missiles and nearly 20 drones while conducting offensive operations against roughly 60 targets around the strait. China’s foreign ministry earlier rejected allegations, saying it opposed attempts to “throw mud” at China. Marco Rubio declined to discuss targeting assistance, saying China had not changed the conflict’s trajectory and had sometimes cooperated.
