Wall Street Journal: Chinese satellite imagery aided Iran’s targeting of US base in Jordan

The Wall Street Journal reported, citing US officials, that Iran obtained high-resolution satellite imagery of the Muwaffaq Salti base in Jordan from Chinese entities prior to the July attack that killed three American soldiers. US officials did not disclose the identities of the Chinese entities involved and did not accuse the Chinese government of direct involvement. According to the report, the Donald Trump administration had previously warned Chinese counterparts that Chinese firms were providing Iran with satellite imagery that could be used to target US personnel and assets in the region. US officials also expressed concern that similar Chinese assistance has improved Iran's ability to target US naval assets, including aircraft carriers. Conversely, a White House official told the newspaper that any external assistance received by Iran has not enhanced its capability to attack the United States. The report comes as the Trump administration seeks to maintain stable channels with Beijing, with officials aiming to avoid public confrontations that could jeopardize plans for a bilateral summit.