Chinese satellite helps Iran track US military sites in region

Iran leverages Chinese satellite for regional surveillance

A Financial Times investigation, published on April 15, 2026, details the alleged utilization of a Chinese TEE-01B satellite by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force. This acquisition and subsequent deployment represent a notable development in Iran's intelligence gathering capabilities, enabling the monitoring of US military bases and other strategic locations across the Middle East. The TEE-01B satellite, built and launched by the Chinese company Earth Eye Co (also referred to as Earth Eye and CGSTL), was reportedly acquired in late 2024 following its launch from China.

Satellite acquisition and operational control

Leaked documents indicate that the IRGC Aerospace Force finalized an agreement in September 2024, committing approximately Rmb250 million, or about $36.6 million, for the comprehensive satellite system. This figure encompassed the satellite's launch, ongoing technical support, and access to data services. The operational control of the satellite by the IRGC's Aerospace Force suggests a direct military application. Nicole Grajewski, an expert on Iran at Sciences Po university, affirmed this perspective, stating, "This satellite is clearly being used for military purposes, as it is being run by the IRGC's Aerospace Force and not Iran's civilian space program."

Enhanced monitoring capabilities

Iranian military commanders directed the TEE-01B satellite to monitor significant US military sites. Analysis of time-stamped coordinate lists, satellite imagery, and orbital data confirms that images were acquired in March 2026. These imaging events occurred both before and after drone and missile strikes targeting these locations. Specific targets included Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, with images captured on March 13, 14, and 15, 2026. On March 14, US President Donald Trump confirmed that US planes at the base had been impacted, resulting in damage to five Air Force refueling aircraft. Other locations under surveillance included Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, areas near the US Fifth Fleet naval base in Manama, Bahrain, and Erbil airport in Iraq. The satellite also monitored civilian infrastructure, such as Khalifa Port container terminal, Kizad power and desalination facility in the UAE, and the Alba aluminum smelter in Bahrain.

Technical specifications and comparative advantage

The TEE-01B satellite offers imagery at approximately half-meter (0.5-meter) resolution. This technical capability represents a significant advancement over Iran's previously most advanced military satellite, Noor-3, which was estimated to capture imagery at about 5-meter resolution. The enhanced resolution of TEE-01B allows analysts to distinguish individual aircraft, vehicles, and track alterations to infrastructure, providing a more detailed intelligence picture. The TEE-01B (NORAD ID 60012) was launched on June 6, 2024, aboard a Ceres-1 Y13 launch vehicle from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. It possesses a mass of 112.00 kg and dimensions of 1.00 m in both length and diameter, classified as a box-shaped payload. Its operational orbital altitude is 545 km. The onboard panchromatic/multispectral optical remote sensing camera achieves 0.53-meter panchromatic and 2.12-meter multispectral resolution.

Ground infrastructure access and international implications

As part of the satellite acquisition agreement, the IRGC secured access to commercial ground stations. These stations are operated by Emposat, a Beijing-based provider of satellite control and data services with a global network. This access facilitates the direct reception and processing of satellite data by Iranian forces. The Financial Times investigation highlights the complexities of dual-use technologies and the potential for commercial satellite systems to be repurposed for military intelligence gathering.

China's official position

China's Foreign Ministry responded to the report on April 15, 2026. The ministry denied the allegations, stating that the notion of Iran employing its satellite to direct attacks on US targets was "not true." A representative further stated that "China firmly opposes this kind of practice driven by ulterior motives."