15.04.2026 10:30
It has been alleged that Iran procured spy satellites from China during the war to monitor U.S. bases in the Middle East. According to leaked documents, the satellite was used for target identification before attacks and damage assessment afterward. Experts noted that this development provided Iran with a significant advantage on the ground, highlighting that it was the first time such a level of externally sourced satellite capability had been used in the war.
It has been alleged that Iran secretly obtained a spy satellite from China to monitor U.S. military bases in the Middle East during the recent war. The Financial Times report, based on leaked military documents, points to new intelligence tensions in the region.
U.S. BASES TRACKED ONE BY ONE
According to the report, Iran monitored U.S. military bases and critical infrastructure points in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Djibouti, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates via satellite.
The satellite, named "TEE-01B," was reportedly launched from China at the end of 2024 and subsequently taken over by the aerospace unit of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
IMAGES CAPTURED BEFORE AND AFTER ATTACKS
The leaked documents included timestamped coordinate lists, satellite images, and orbital analyses, which were said to be actively used by Iranian commanders. The images were recorded as having been taken before and after the drone and missile attacks carried out in March.
"USED FOR MILITARY PURPOSES"
Nicole Grajewski, an Iran expert from Sciences Po University, emphasized that the satellite is used for military, not civilian, purposes, stating, "This satellite is clearly being used for military objectives. It is not part of Iran's civilian space program; it is operated by the Revolutionary Guards."
Grajewski also noted that this technology provides Iran with a critical advantage during war, adding, "This capability allows Iran to pre-identify targets and assess the impact of attacks."
A DEVELOPMENT THAT WILL INCREASE TENSION IN THE REGION
The allegation has reignited debates about Iran strengthening its military capabilities with external support, while also leading to interpretations that the tension between the U.S. and Iran could escalate to a different level.