Trump dismisses reports of Chinese satellite imagery support for Iran strike on US base in Jordan
Quick Look
US President Donald Trump dismissed reports that Chinese entities provided satellite images to Iran before a missile strike on a Jordanian air base housing US forces, stating that espionage is mutual between the US and China, and declined to comment on raising the issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of an expected September 24 meeting.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The US has sanctioned Chinese satellite companies for working with Iranian military entities, and Trump has previously warned China against supplying weapons to Iran. China remains a key economic and diplomatic partner of Iran, particularly as a major buyer of its oil.
US President Donald Trump on Sunday dismissed reports that Chinese entities had supplied Iran with satellite images of a military base before an Iranian strike killed three American soldiers.
Iranian missiles struck the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, which houses US forces, in July.
"You know, when they say that China spies on us, I say you're right, and we spy on them too," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he returned from a visit to Ireland.
"That's what we do. They basically do what we do," Trump said.
The Wall Street Journal's report said unnamed American officials declined to say which Chinese entities had provided the images to Iran, and did not suggest Beijing was directly involved.
Trump keeps tensions low ahead of Xi meeting
Trump refused to answer questions about whether he would raise the incident with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is expected to visit the White House on September 24.
China has not officially confirmed that the meeting will take place.
Trump on Sunday reiterated his belief that he has a good relationship with Xi.
"I think he's behaved reasonably well, and we behave reasonably well," the US president said.
Trump's remarks follow a pattern set by his administration, which has sought to downplay tensions with China, despite frustration in Washington over Beijing's support for Iran.
Trump has previously warned China not to provide Iran with weapons. The US sanctioned three Chinese satellite companies in May for working with Iranian military entities.
China is one of Iran's top economic and diplomatic partners and main buyers of its oil.
Edited by: Wesley Dockery
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Trump will avoid publicly confronting Xi Jinping about the alleged satellite imagery sharing during the expected September 24 meeting.
Likely · Within weeks
The US will maintain or increase scrutiny of Chinese satellite firms suspected of aiding Iranian military programs.
Very likely · Within months
Open Questions
- Which specific Chinese entities provided satellite imagery to Iran, if any?
- Did Beijing authorize or know about the alleged imagery sharing?
- Will Trump raise the issue with Xi Jinping during the expected September 24 meeting?
- What was the exact nature and timing of the Iranian strike on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base?
