Chinese intelligence helped Iran strike U.S. ships and bases with greater precision

Chinese satellite imagery and intelligence helped Iran carry out more precise attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. In addition, this data facilitated more precise strikes against U.S. military bases in the Middle East.

According to sources, these images enabled Iran to launch an attack in July on a U.S. base in Jordan, which resulted in the deaths of three American service members. According to U.S. officials, the precision of this strike was such that Iran would have been unlikely to achieve it without outside assistance.

According to one official, Chinese geospatial data has also improved Iran’s ability to track ships passing through the strait, thereby increasing the chances that Iranian drones and missiles would hit their targets. Two other sources noted that this data allowed Iran to use relatively simple drones equipped with thermal imaging—which are incapable of maneuvering in the air—to pose a threat to ships and more accurately calculate the timing of their launches.

Support from China partly explains why Iran has gradually increased the accuracy of its strikes during the sporadic waves of attacks in recent months. At the same time, sources emphasize that Chinese assistance is just one of several factors enhancing Iran’s military effectiveness.

Tehran also receives support from Russia, and some U.S. officials cite the Iranian military’s growing combat experience, gained during the conflict, as a key factor.

U.S. officials note that it is difficult to accurately assess the extent of Chinese assistance. In particular, it is unclear whether the Chinese government has directly ordered such support or is merely tacitly allowing it.

A fifth source familiar with U.S. intelligence data noted that, judging by recent reports, China would like to see an end to the disruptions in the strait’s operations, which have caused global oil prices to rise.

Intelligence support complements technical assistance from China and Russia. In particular, Russia has helped Iran improve its missile and drone guidance systems.

However, in at least some cases—notably during the July attack on a base in Jordan—U.S. officials agree that the intelligence provided by China proved decisive.

Iran’s imports of dual-use components also raise serious concerns among U.S. officials given the country’s ability to rebuild its military capabilities and industrial base.

“Without Chinese components, it would be much harder for them to continue combat operations—it’s that simple,” a U.S. official noted.

While preparing this report, CNN asked Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jia-kong to comment on the situation. “China has always strictly fulfilled its international obligations. We oppose the use of the conflict to discredit China,” he said.

The Trump administration sought to take tough measures against Chinese commercial satellite imagery of the region during the conflict, which, according to U.S. officials, could have endangered U.S. service members. In May, the administration imposed sanctions on three Chinese satellite companies that, it said, provided imagery “enabling Iran to carry out military strikes against U.S. troops in the Middle East.”

Four sources familiar with the U.S. intelligence assessment told CNN about this.

The U.S. and China will each reduce tariffs on $30 billion worth of imports — The Hill.

China and the U.S. will establish a channel for incidents involving superintelligence — South China Morning Post