Beijing denies providing Iran intel before strike on US troops

Beijing on Monday rejected as “groundless” reports that Chinese entities supplied Tehran with satellite images of a US military base in Jordan before and after an Iranian strike killed three American soldiers, according to a report by Punch. The reports, published by the Wall Street Journal over the weekend, related to July 17 missile strikes on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Beijing “firmly” opposed “unsubstantiated accusations.” US President Donald Trump downplayed the reports, telling reporters aboard Air Force One that both countries spy on each other. Chinese officials reportedly demanded proof of the satellite imagery transfer when questioned by US officials, and declined to confirm any Chinese company’s involvement.