Iran: Iran has used a Chinese-made spy satellite to target US bases in the Middle East during the war that began with attacks by the US and Israel, the British newspaper Financial Times (FT) claimed on Wednesday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the newspaper reported that the claims are based on leaked military documents, satellite images, and orbital analyses. These sources revealed that a Chinese-made satellite was used to monitor US military sites. The satellite in question, TEE-01B, was produced by the China-based company Earth Eye and launched into space at the end of 2024. Shortly after its launch, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) allegedly purchased the satellite.

Orbital examinations indicated that the spy satellite, capable of providing imagery with a resolution of about half a meter, was positioned over US military bases during drone and missile attacks. The monitored targets reportedly included US military facilities in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain, and Iraq. The report highlighted that images were recorded immediately before and after the drone and missile attacks, suggesting that the satellite may have been used to assist in directing the strikes.

Iran was reportedly granted permission to use ground stations belonging to the Beijing-based company Emposat. This arrangement allowed Iran to access satellite data not only within its own territory but also through an extensive network stretching from Asia to Latin America. Experts noted that this situation marks a significant advancement in Iran's military intelligence capabilities, and assessed that such a technology transfer would likely require Beijing's approval.

US President Donald Trump had previously stated his consideration of imposing a 50% tariff on countries providing military support to Iran.