Trump dismisses report Iran received Chinese satellite images before attack that killed 3 US troops

SHANNON, IRELAND: President Donald Trump dismissed a report that Chinese entities supplied Iran with high-resolution satellite imagery during a July missile attack on a US military base in Jordan that killed three American troops. 

While boarding Air Force One in Ireland to return to the US, Trump downplayed the report while defending the US-China relationship ahead of an expected meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on September 24.

Trump downplays report of Chinese satellite support to Iran

When questioned whether he would raise the reported assistance with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump did not directly answer. Instead, he drew a comparison between Chinese and US intelligence operations.

“They basically do what we do,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. “When they say China spies on us, I say you're right, and we spy on them too.” The Republican leader added that Xi has “behaved reasonably well, and we behave reasonably well.”

Xi is also expected to travel to the US ‌on September 24 to meet Trump, although China has yet to officially confirm that the meeting will take place. The potential meeting comes amid broader tensions between Washington and Beijing over trade, technology and security.

The report has raised concerns in Washington about whether Chinese commercial satellite capabilities could be helping Iran improve its ability to target US forces. The Trump administration has also previously accused Chinese companies of providing Iran with satellite imagery that could be used against American military personnel and facilities.

In May, the administration sanctioned three Chinese companies, Mizart Vision, Earth Eye and Chang Guang, alleging they had provided, collected or distributed imagery that Iran could use to target US forces. The US had also previously accused Chang Guang of supporting extremist attacks in Yemen.

What the report alleged and how China responded

A report by The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed US officials, alleged that the Chinese entities provided Iran with high-resolution satellite imagery before a July 17 missile attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in northeastern Jordan. The attack had killed three US service members and wounded four others.

The report did not identify the Chinese entities involved and did not allege that the Chinese government directly participated in the attack. However, Chinese officials have denied that Chinese companies assisted the attack and reportedly have demanded evidence to support the allegations. 

The report also claimed that US officials had reportedly warned Chinese counterparts for months about Chinese companies supplying Iran with satellite imagery that could help target American forces and facilities.

Iran's ability to monitor US targets had reportedly been significantly affected by earlier US strikes that damaged Iranian radar, satellites, and surveillance equipment. However, just three days after the Jordan attack, Iran released high-resolution images showing the damage, according to the outlet.