Trump Dismisses Report China Gave Iran Intel Before US Base Attack

US President Donald Trump has dismissed concerns over reports that Chinese entities provided Iran with satellite imagery of a US military base in Jordan before a deadly missile attack.

Trump said the reported intelligence-sharing was not unusual, arguing that China and the United States engage in similar intelligence-gathering activities.

The comments followed a report that Iran obtained high-resolution satellite imagery from Chinese sources before its July 17 missile attack on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, which killed three US service members and injured others.

US officials reportedly linked the satellite imagery to the Iranian strike, raising concerns about the extent of Chinese support for Tehran’s military capabilities.

However, the officials did not accuse the Chinese government of directly ordering or coordinating the attack. The specific Chinese entities that allegedly supplied the imagery were also not publicly identified.

Beijing has rejected the allegations and denied providing assistance intended to facilitate attacks against US forces. Chinese authorities have criticised the claims as unfounded.

The report has nevertheless raised fresh concerns in Washington over China’s growing relationship with Iran and the potential implications for US military operations across the Middle East.

US officials have previously expressed concern about Chinese commercial and satellite capabilities being used to improve Iran’s ability to monitor American military positions and identify potential targets.

The latest allegations are particularly sensitive as Trump prepares for a potential meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month. The development could add another security issue to discussions between Washington and Beijing.

Trump, however, appeared keen to play down the significance of the report, maintaining that intelligence operations between major powers are commonplace.

The July attack has also intensified scrutiny of the protection of US troops stationed across the region as Iran continues to develop capabilities for targeting American military assets.

While the United States has raised concerns about Chinese assistance to Iran, the available reports stop short of establishing that Beijing directly authorised or coordinated the deadly attack.

The controversy nonetheless underscores the increasingly complex relationship between China, Iran and the United States, particularly as Washington seeks to limit Tehran’s military capabilities while managing its broader strategic rivalry with Beijing.