After the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran, U.S. intelligence agencies found that China and Russia were secretly supporting Iran to weaken the military actions of the U.S. and Israel. The analysis suggests that China’s assistance to Iran in the early stages of the conflict revealed ambitious intentions, and this support may continue for a significant period of time. This indicates that a potentially informal and broader alliance among China, Russia, and Iran is forming to undermine U.S. plans in the Middle East.
Multiple informed U.S. officials revealed to CBS that analysts from the Defense Intelligence Agency, a military intelligence agency under the Pentagon, assessed that China had considered providing Iran with X-band radar systems. This technology would enhance Iran’s ability to detect and track incoming threats such as low-altitude drones and cruise missiles, safeguarding its air defense systems from advanced weapon strikes. Furthermore, there are reports indicating that Russia shared military deployment-related intelligence in the Middle East with Iran.
Officials familiar with the matter stated that it is currently unclear whether China actually proceeded with this plan. However, it underscores concerns in Washington that the conflict with Iran may not solely target Iran, as China and Russia could engage in non-military interventions to provide military support to Iran.
The Financial Times reported on Wednesday, April 15th, citing leaked Iranian military documents, that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran used a spy satellite “TEE-01B” purchased covertly from the Chinese company “Beijing Mu Mei Xingkong Technology” to monitor U.S. military bases in the Middle East.
Informed U.S. officials also disclosed that U.S. intelligence assessments indicate that Iran has been using satellite imagery provided by China during both previous instances and the recent U.S.-Israel strikes against Iran. However, it has not been confirmed yet whether all of these satellite images were provided by the Mu Mei Xingkong company.
A threat assessment report released by the Pentagon in December 2025 highlighted that several Chinese commercial satellite companies have had business dealings with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps since 2024.
The report warned that China has become the United States’ primary competitor in space technology.
Additionally, U.S. officials stated that intelligence indicates China is considering clandestinely transferring air defense systems to Iran through a third country. Last week, CNN reported that U.S. intelligence discovered that China delivered man-portable air defense missile systems (MANPADS) to Iran.
Mark Warner, the Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and Democratic Senator from Virginia, pointed out in a media interview last Sunday that China potentially providing Iran with new air defense systems is a significant development. According to Warner, China attempts to cover up the truth by claiming these transactions are between private companies, yet it is well-known that there are no genuine private sectors in China, as every company must first pledge allegiance to the Chinese Communist Party.