US Links Chinese Satellite Imagery To Iran Missile Strike On Jordan Base That Killed 4 Troops: Report

Last Updated:September 14, 2026, 09:23 IST

Three US soldiers were killed in an Iranian strike on Jordan’s Muwaffaq Salti Air Base on July 17, with the attack marking a fresh round of escalation in the region

Satellite image shows F-15E, A-10 Thunderbolt, and C-130 Hercules at the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Al Azraq, Jordan, on February 2, 2026. (Photo: Reuters)

Nearly three months after a deadly Iranian ballistic missile strike that killed three American troops at a Jordan military base, the United States administration has linked the assault to high-quality satellite imagery supplied by Chinese entities.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the findings follow months of warnings by US President Donald Trump to Beijing over allegations that Chinese firms supplied data to Tehran during the war in West Asia.

Three US soldiers were killed in an Iranian strike on Jordan’s Muwaffaq Salti Air Base on July 17, with the attack marking a fresh round of escalation between Washington and Tehran.

Many other US troops, who sustained injuries in the attack, required medical evacuation. Both manned and unmanned aircraft were stationed at the Jordanian base.

Although the US did not blame China directly over the attack, the findings are likely to lead to renewed tensions between the two sides, especially ahead of the summit between Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.

China Sought Proof When Confronted

According to the WSJ report, citing US officials, the Chinese asked for proof when confronted over the imagery linked to the July 17 attack. The officials said the Beijing continues to dismiss US’ concerns, while also denying that any Chinese entities are involved in the incident.

Since Trump has asserted that he wants to maintain good relations with China, senior US officials are seeking to downplay the impact of Chinese assistance to avoid feud that could affect high-stakes diplomatic plans.

US-Iran War

The war in West Asia began on February 28, when the US and Israel launched coordinated strikes on multiple targets across Iran, killing its Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.

Tehran retaliated by targeting sites across Israel and striking US-linked facilities across the Gulf. Subsequently, it also blocked the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a move that led to a global energy crisis.

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How is Chinese satellite imagery linked to the Iranian missile strike on the US base in Jordan?

The US administration linked a deadly Iranian ballistic missile strike on Jordan’s Muwaffaq Salti Air Base to high-quality satellite imagery supplied by Chinese entities. This imagery is believed to have assisted Tehran during the conflict, with investigations also examining if such assistance helps Iran track moving US naval assets like warships and submarines.

What details are known about the July 17 attack on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan?

The attack occurred on July 17, killing three US soldiers and injuring several others who required medical evacuation. The strike targeted the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, where both manned and unmanned aircraft were stationed. Reports indicate the base was struck three times within a 24-hour window during this escalation.

How has China responded to US allegations regarding satellite data supplied to Iran?

When confronted by US officials over the satellite imagery linked to the July 17 attack, Chinese officials asked the US to provide proof. Beijing continues to dismiss the concerns raised by the United States and denies that any Chinese entities were involved in the incident.

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Meemansa ShekhawatSub-editor

A Journalism graduate, Meemansa Shekhawat is a sub-editor at News18. Driven by a keen interest in news, she is a passionate writer with specialisation in national and international affairs. You can re…Read More

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