Among the sites under surveillance was the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, where US aircraft were reportedly targeted during the hostilities.
A fresh intelligence disclosure has added a new layer of concern to the already volatile West Asia situation, with reports suggesting that Iran used a Chinese-built satellite to monitor US military bases during the recent conflict. The development comes even as a fragile ceasefire holds, and diplomatic efforts to end hostilities remain stalled, raising concerns over the expanding role of space-based surveillance in modern warfare.
According to a report by the Financial Times, Iran obtained a satellite named TEE-01B, significantly boosting its surveillance capabilities. The satellite was reportedly acquired by the Aerospace Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in late 2024 after being launched from China.
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The report cites leaked Iranian military documents, along with analysis of orbital data and satellite imagery, to suggest that the system was actively used to track US military installations during the conflict.
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The investigation found that Iranian commanders deployed the satellite to observe strategic American bases across the region. Images were reportedly captured in March, both before and after drone and missile strikes on some of these locations.
Among the sites under surveillance was the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, where US aircraft were reportedly targeted during the hostilities. The use of such real-time intelligence could indicate a more advanced level of coordination in Iran’s military operations.
The satellite is said to have been developed and launched by a Chinese company, Earth Eye Co, which follows an “in-orbit delivery” model. This allows satellites to be transferred to client countries after deployment, making such transactions harder to detect in real time.
While the report points to a Chinese-origin system, there is no official confirmation of direct state involvement.
Trump’s stark warning
Amid rising tensions, US President Donald Trump last week warned that any country supplying military equipment to Iran would face steep economic consequences. In a post on Truth Social, he said a 50 per cent tariff would be imposed on all goods exported to the US by such nations, with immediate effect and no exemptions.
“A Country supplying Military Weapons to Iran will be immediately tariffed, on any and all goods sold to the United States of America, 50%, effective immediately. There will be no exclusions or exemptions!” his post read.
China rejects allegations, warns of retaliation
China has firmly dismissed the allegations. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian termed the reports “fabricated” and cautioned that any US action based on such claims would invite strong countermeasures.
“Media reports accusing China of providing military support to Iran are purely fabricated. If the U.S. goes ahead with tariff hikes on China based on these accusations, China will respond with countermeasures,” the spokespersons said.
Beijing has maintained that it has not provided military assistance to Iran and has opposed unilateral accusations by Washington.
Ceasefire under strain as new details emerge
The revelation comes at a delicate moment, with a ceasefire in place but no lasting agreement to end the conflict. The reported use of satellite surveillance in targeting operations could further complicate negotiations and deepen mistrust among global powers involved in the region.
As more details emerge, the episode is likely to intensify scrutiny over the role of private space firms and dual-use technologies in international conflicts.
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