Report: Iran Acquired Chinese Spy Satellite to Monitor US Bases
According to the Financial Times, Iran secretly acquired a Chinese spy satellite that was intended to significantly expand its ability to monitor US military bases in the Middle East.
The satellite, TEE-01B, was developed by Earth Eye Co and was reportedly taken over by the Revolutionary Guards Air Force in late 2024. According to leaked documents, Iranian commanders used it to monitor strategic locations in detail, including bases in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain and Iraq.
The satellite captured images before and after drone and missile strikes, suggesting it was used in operational planning. Iran was also to gain access to satellite ground stations operated by the Chinese company Emposat, allowing it to receive satellite data more quickly.
Reuters noted that the information could not be independently verified and that the parties involved have not commented.