Satellite War: the USA sanctions Chinese tech for aiding Iran

There is no peace in the relations between the two superpowers. Just days before the summit between the American President and the Chinese leader, Washington has dealt a severe blow by imposing sanctions against several tech companies of the Dragon. The accusation is serious: providing direct military support to Iran during the conflict that began last February 28, facilitating attacks against US bases and forces in the Middle East.

The "The Earth Eye" case and the orbital transfer

At the center of the storm is the company The Earth Eye, specialized in satellite ground stations. According to the Financial Times, Iran allegedly acquired a spy satellite from this company at the end of 2024 through a maneuver called "delivery in orbit".

This method allows the transfer of satellite control after launch, bypassing traditional sales channels. Iranian commanders reportedly used the satellite to monitor American military sites, in some cases obtaining crucial images just days before they were hit.

MizarVision and Artificial Intelligence

Another key player in the dossier is MizarVision, a Hangzhou startup specializing in AI-based geospatial intelligence. The company has come under scrutiny for the distribution on Weibo of high-resolution images depicting:

• US F-22s at Israeli bases.
• Warships and American missile defense systems.

Although some analysts, like Hu Bo from Peking University, claim that such images actually come from Western satellites, the critical point is not the source, but the AI processing that transforms simple raw data into "operational intelligence" ready for military use.

Links with Houthi and Ballistic Programs

The sanctions also target other key players:

• Chang Guang Satellite Technology: Accused of having direct ties with the Chinese military and providing images to Houthi rebels in Yemen to target ships in the Red Sea.
• Hitex Insulation Ningbo: Suspected of collaborating with the Iranian ballistic missile program.

Diplomats working on a razor's edge

The Chinese government has categorically denied all accusations. Even Donald Trump, so far, has tried to maintain a cautious line, declaring that Xi Jinping has "personally assured" him that China will not send weapons to Iran.

However, these new sanctions — which add to the recent ones on oil trade — cast a thick shadow over the upcoming summit in Beijing. It remains to be seen whether the two leaders will manage to reach an agreement or if the "satellite war" will mark the beginning of a new, definitive rift.