BEIJING: Leaked documents cited by the Financial Times suggest that Iran may have relied on a Chinese-built reconnaissance satellite to monitor and potentially track US military installations across the Middle East.
The report says the satellite, referred to as “TEE-01B,” was reportedly acquired by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Division in late 2024 after being launched from China and later handed over to Iranian control.
According to the claims, Iranian military officials used the satellite to observe key US-linked military sites, gathering high-resolution imagery before and after a series of drone and missile incidents in March.
The satellite is also said to have captured images of Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air Base on March 13, 14, and 15. On March 14, US President Donald Trump reportedly acknowledged an attack involving US aircraft stationed at the facility.
Further reports indicate that multiple sensitive locations across the region were under observation, including Al-Mafraq Air Base in Jordan, areas near the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, Erbil Airport in Iraq, Camp Buehring and Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, and Duqm Airport in Oman.
Civilian infrastructure sites were also reportedly monitored, such as the UAE’s Khor Fakkan Port, Qidfa power and desalination facilities, and Bahrain’s Alba aluminium plant.
The Financial Times claims the satellite offers around half-meter resolution imagery, significantly improving Iran’s ability to identify targets and plan operations compared to its earlier Noor-3 satellite, which had a much lower resolution of about 5 meters.
It further states that Iran paid an estimated $36.6 million for the system, covering the satellite, launch services, technical support, and related data infrastructure. Chinese firms Earth Eye Co and Emposat are also reported to have provided satellite and ground station support.
China has denied the allegations, calling them unverified and reiterating its stance in favor of peace and opposition to misinformation.
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