London, Britain – The Financial Times, in a sensational report published Wednesday, revealed new dimensions to the technological and military conflict in the Middle East. It confirmed that Iran had secretly used a Chinese satellite to spy on the movements of US forces. This development grants Tehran unprecedented intelligence capabilities to target US military bases across the region, particularly during recent periods of military escalation.
Leaked satellite details
According to leaked Iranian military documents obtained by the newspaper, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Air Force successfully acquired the services of the TEE-01B satellite. This satellite, designed and built by the Chinese company Earth Eye, was launched into orbit in late 2024. Reports indicate that Iran gained access to the satellite’s capabilities immediately after it was in orbit. This represents a significant security breach and a high level of Chinese-Iranian military coordination.
Monitoring and targeting
The newspaper report was based on a meticulous analysis of dated coordinates, satellite imagery, and complex orbital analysis. The data showed that military leaders in Tehran directed the satellite to monitor strategic American sites with pinpoint accuracy.
Timing: The sensitive images were taken last March.
Objective: To monitor sites before and after drone and missile strikes, to assess damage and correct attack routes.
Control and Data Network
The report also indicated that the deal included the Revolutionary Guard’s access to commercial ground stations operated by Emposat, a Beijing-based company that manages a vast data control network stretching from Asia to Latin America.
International reactions
So far, diplomatic circles have remained silent, with the White House, the CIA, and the Pentagon all declining to comment. China’s foreign and defense ministries, as well as EarthEye and Imbusat, have also remained silent regarding these serious allegations. Reuters confirmed that it has not been able to independently verify the authenticity of the leaked documents.
