Trump dismisses report on Chinese satellite data sent to Iran before fatal Jordan base strike

Comments aboard Air Force One

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on 13 September 2026 during his return flight from a weekend visit to Ireland, US President Donald Trump addressed allegations regarding Chinese intelligence assistance to Iran. A report by the Wall Street Journal indicated that Chinese entities provided satellite imagery of an installation in Jordan to Tehran prior to a strike on American military personnel. Trump equated foreign intelligence operations conducted by Beijing with those carried out by Washington, declining to publicly criticize the Chinese government for the reported transfers.

“When they say China spies on us, I say you're right and we spy on them too.”

Trump expanded on his position by characterizing mutual reconnaissance as routine activity between international powers. He noted that both nations actively monitor each other across different regions.

“They basically do what we do.”

The Jordan air base strike

The intelligence concerns stem from an Iranian missile bombardment carried out on 17 July 2026 against Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, an installation that houses deployed US armed forces. The strike killed three American soldiers stationed at the facility. According to the Wall Street Journal, unnamed US officials stated that Iranian operatives acquired satellite pictures of the base from entities based in China both before and after launching the missiles.

The officials cited in the reporting declined to publicly identify the specific Chinese commercial entities that provided the surveillance data. The officials also did not allege direct operational involvement by the government in Beijing. When US officials approached Chinese representatives regarding the satellite transfers, the Chinese diplomats asked for formal proof of the transactions and did not acknowledge any involvement by companies located in China.

Satellite sanctions and bilateral ties

The scrutiny surrounding commercial space imagery follows previous punitive actions by the US Department of the Treasury and State Department. In May 2026, Washington imposed sanctions on three satellite enterprises based in China for facilitating Iranian military operations. China represents one of Iran's most significant economic and diplomatic partners, purchasing a substantial portion of Iranian crude oil exports and offering backing in multilateral forums.

Trump had previously issued warnings to Beijing against providing military armaments and weapons systems to the Iranian government. Despite persistent frustration in Washington regarding the economic and strategic partnership between Beijing and Tehran, the US administration has sought to manage bilateral friction without opening new diplomatic disputes.

Upcoming summit with Xi Jinping

Trump made the comments ten days ahead of an anticipated bilateral summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two leaders are scheduled to hold meetings in the United States on 24 September 2026, including a planned visit to the White House, although the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet formally confirmed the trip.

When asked directly by reporters whether he would raise the Jordan base intelligence transfer during the upcoming bilateral meeting, Trump avoided a definitive commitment. He instead reiterated that he maintains a positive personal and working relationship with the Chinese leader.

“I think he's behaved reasonably well, and we behave reasonably well.”