US Links Chinese Satellite Images to Iran Strike on Troops

In September 2026, reports said the United States linked Chinese satellite imagery to an Iranian missile strike that killed three U.S. troops at an air base in Jordan. According to the reports, Chinese entities provided Iran with satellite images of the base before the attack.

The reports described the imagery as some of the clearest evidence of Chinese support for Iran. The coverage also mentioned a push by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to showcase a rescue operation related to Iran on the program "60 Minutes."