Chinese satellite intelligence helped Iran carry out a precision strike that killed three American soldiers in Jordan this summer, according to U.S. intelligence assessments described to CNN in a damning report that comes as President Donald Trump hosts Xi Jinping at the White House.
Four sources told CNN that data flowing from Chinese groups has made Iran's missiles and drones far more accurate in recent months. Tehran has used that edge to stalk tankers and U.S. escorts in the Strait of Hormuz and to hit American bases harder than officials thought it could on its own. The sources said Chinese imagery made the difference in a July strike on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, which killed Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, and Sgt. Angel Rampersad.
"There's a reason that their targeting has improved, and it is due to some assistance," one source told CNN. "Getting reps on the battlefield helps, but getting a helping hand helps a lot too."
U.S. officials can't say whether the help comes on orders from Beijing or with its quiet permission, and they are split on how much it matters.
The findings clash with what the administration has said in public.
"As the president stated, nothing that any outside actor is doing to help Iran is in any way increasing their ability to target Americans," a U.S. official told CNN.
The report came during a visit that began with Trump personally greeting Xi on the tarmac and continued with Trump inviting Xi's delegation to tour his unfinished ballroom. U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue told CNBC that Trump warned Xi to cut off any support for Tehran. Perdue later said on Fox News that Chinese officials had promised they weren't providing it.
One official credited Chinese components with keeping Iran in the fight while another said Tehran has been able to rearm partly because Trump stopped the bombing campaign, with targets still left on the Pentagon's list.
The disclosures also reached Trump's own base, with MAGA activist Laura Loomer publicly questioning why China has faced no accountability while Xi was treated like a king.
China's embassy did not respond to CNN. China's foreign ministry has previously accused critics of using the conflict to smear Beijing.