Report alleges Iran used Chinese satellite to target U.S. bases

The Financial Times reported that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force acquired a Chinese spy satellite, identified as TEE-01B, in late 2024. According to leaked military documents, the IRGC agreed to pay approximately $36.6 million for control of the system. The satellite, manufactured and launched by China’s Earth Eye Co, provides half-meter resolution imagery and granted the IRGC access to ground stations operated by Beijing-based Emposat. Documentation suggests that Iranian commanders used time-stamped coordinates and imagery to monitor U.S. military sites before and after drone and missile strikes. While these reports indicate the data was used for attack planning and damage assessment, Reuters could not independently verify the claims. Various U.S. and Chinese government entities have not yet provided official comments regarding the allegations. President Donald Trump has recently warned of potential consequences for China if it provides air defense systems to Iran.