The US has imposed sanctions on three Chinese companies accused of supplying satellite imagery to Iran, alleging the support enabled Tehran’s military operations against American forces in the Middle East.
Bloomberg reported that the sanctions target Meentropy Technology, The Earth Eye and Chang Guang Satellite Technology, along with several other entities and individuals linked to Iran’s defence activities, according to a statement by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Washington said Meentropy Technology published open-source imagery detailing US military activity during Operation Epic Fury, while The Earth Eye allegedly supplied satellite images directly to Iran. Chang Guang Satellite Technology was accused of collecting intelligence on US and allied military forces at Tehran’s request.
The move comes ahead of an expected summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, adding further strain to already tense US-China relations.
The US has intensified efforts to restrict technological support for Iran during the conflict, including urging commercial satellite operators to limit imagery access in sensitive Middle East locations. Last month, Planet Labs restricted access to regional satellite data following requests from the Trump administration.
Washington also sanctioned Iran’s Ministry of Defence Export Centre, accusing it of supporting Tehran’s weapons procurement efforts.
China, which operates the world’s largest commercial earth-imaging programme outside the US, has yet to issue an official response to the latest sanctions.
