The U.S. on Friday slapped sanctions on three Chinese satellite companies for allegedly providing imagery to Iran that helped it target American troops in the region.
“Today’s action holds China-based entities accountable for their support to Iran,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a statement.
The move comes days ahead of a visit by President Donald Trump to Beijing. Trump is expected to depart on Tuesday and to discuss the Iran conflict and other matters with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
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The sanctioned companies are The Earth Eye, MizarVision, and Chang Guang Satellite Technology.
The Washington Post reported this week that Iranian strikes had caused far more destruction to U.S. military assets than previously known, damaging or destroying at least 228 targets including barracks, aircraft, and radar equipment.
The new sanctions announced on Friday target 11 entities and three individuals in total from Iran, China, Belarus, and the United Arab Emirates.
