US sanctions Chinese satellite imagery companies over Iran war

The US imposed sanctions on three Chinese companies—Meentropy Technology (Hangzhou) Co., The Earth Eye, and Chang Guang Satellite Technology—for providing satellite imagery to Iran, facilitating military strikes against American forces in the Middle East. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the sanctions on Friday, naming the firms as part of a broader effort to limit technological support for Iran’s conflict operations. Meentropy Technology, also known as MizarVision, published open-source images detailing US military activity during Operation Epic Fury. The Earth Eye supplied satellite imagery to Iran, while Chang Guang collected data on US and allied forces at Tehran’s request. All three firms have ties to operations in Belarus and the United Arab Emirates, according to the US Department of State. The sanctions mark an escalation in Washington’s efforts to restrict commercial satellite imagery in the Middle East, following a recent request for providers to voluntarily withhold data from conflict zones. Last month, the Trump administration urged companies like Planet Labs PBC to limit access to designated areas, citing concerns over military planning. This action comes just days before an anticipated summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The US has previously sanctioned Chinese entities linked to Iran, including a major private oil refiner, prompting Beijing to instruct its companies to avoid compliance. The US also targeted Iran’s Ministry of Defence Export Center, the export arm of the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics, for its role in acquiring weapons. The sanctions reflect growing tensions as commercial satellite imagery becomes a critical tool in modern warfare, with China leading the global commercial imaging sector outside the US.