Iran Used Chinese Satellite Photos for Jordan Attack, Report Claims

Iran possessed Chinese satellite imagery of the U.S. military's Tower 22 base in Jordan before and after a July drone attack that killed three American soldiers, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. The revelation has created tension between Washington and Beijing ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the United States in less than two weeks. The newspaper cited sources familiar with the matter, stating the satellite photos were of high quality.

The attack occurred on July 17, when Iranian drones struck a residential area at the base, killing three soldiers and injuring four others. The incident has heightened concerns about Iran's regional activities and its potential to exploit the period leading up to the U.S. midterm elections.

Analysts suggest Iran may be seeking to escalate regional tensions in the eight weeks before the U.S. elections, potentially to influence American policy. Tehran is reportedly under significant economic pressure and facing a reduction in its leverage, while simultaneously recognizing that increased political and economic pressure on President Trump before the elections could narrow his options for dealing with Iran.