Iran Seeks Purchase of Advanced Spy Satellites from China

Latest Developments

Iran is seeking to purchase Chinese spy satellites that could improve its ability to target U.S. and Israeli forces, both for itself and its proxies, The Washington Post reported on August 16. According to the report, multiple delegations from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have been negotiating with two China-based companies — Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co. and MinoSpace Technology Co. — that manufacture low-cost, high-resolution satellites. These satellites have “optical equipment still capable of producing images with a resolution as fine as 30 centimeters,” far superior to the one-meter resolution provided by Iran’s Khayyam satellite.

Iran’s interest in Chinese technology comes as relations between Beijing and Tehran have strengthened over the past several years. Seeking to project its power in the Middle East, China has avoided condemning attacks on Israel by Tehran’s proxy terrorist groups, among them Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthi rebels in Yemen, and terrorist militias in Iraq and Syria attacking American troops. On August 11, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed support for Iran’s threats to launch an attack against Israel in retaliation for the July 31 assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Wang characterized Tehran’s threats as the Islamic Republic’s right to defend “its sovereignty, security and national dignity.”

Expert Analysis

“Iran has become a Middle East incubator for Beijing’s techno-authoritarianism. This latest deal is a strategic move by Beijing to strengthen its technological foothold in the region, directly challenging U.S. interests. Should the deal proceed, it would be prudent for Washington to consider strong sanctions against the involved Chinese firms, reinforcing its stance against expanding authoritarian influence.” — Craig Singleton, FDD Senior Fellow and Senior Director of FDD’s China Program

“China ensures the Islamic Republic’s survival by importing Iranian oil while also enabling Tehran to crack down on dissidents internally. This authoritarian partnership that enriches kleptocrats at the expense of the civil society will remain undeterred so long as the illicit Beijing-Tehran joint operations do not face repercussions from the United States.” — Janatan Sayeh, FDD Research Analyst

China’s Critical Role in Iran’s Military Development

China has assisted Iran with its military, nuclear, and missile program since the 1990s — a pivotal period for the development of Iran’s military-industrial base. In 2015, China agreed to provide Iran with satellite-based navigation technology that improved the accuracy of Iran’s missiles and drones. The U.S. Treasury Department continues to expose and sanction procurement networks and suppliers with ties to China that support Iran’s ballistic missile program. In 2021, Iran and China signed a 25-year strategic agreement that promoted military, security, and economic cooperation. On October 26, Beijing affirmed its commitment to strengthening its “comprehensive strategic partnership” with Tehran, despite Iran’s support of Hamas, which carried out a brutal massacre in Israel only weeks earlier.

Russia-China-Iran Axis

Alongside its attempt to project power in the Middle East, China is a key player in an anti-West axis that includes Russia and Iran. In 2022, Chang Guang sold satellites to Russia’s Wagner mercenary group for use in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In July 2023, Iran officially became the ninth member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a Eurasian security and political group founded in 2001 by China and Russia. In March, China, Russia, and Iran held a four-day joint trilateral naval drill in the Gulf of Oman. Russia has also helped Iran with its spy satellite program since 2005, when it launched Iran’s first satellite. In 2021, Russia provided Tehran with the Kanopus-V satellite as well as launching Iran’s Khayyam spy satellite in 2022 and Pars-1 in 2024.

“How Beijing Benefits From a New Iran Deal,” by Craig Singleton

“Russia and Iran Agree to Deepen Security Ties,” FDD Flash Brief

“Presidents of Iran, Russia Hail Bilateral Ties,” FDD Flash Brief

“China Pledges Closer Iran Ties Amidst Middle East Instability,” FDD Flash Brief