Amid the ongoing Iran conflict, Iranian forces have claimed to have shot down several US warplanes, along with multiple drones and military helicopters. Tehran has also asserted that it carried out attacks on US naval vessels. In its latest statement, Iran claimed that additional aircraft and helicopters involved in rescue operations for downed pilots were also destroyed in its airspace.
As the conflict intensifies, new and controversial claims have emerged regarding the flow of military intelligence. According to media reports, Chinese technology firms are allegedly providing Iran with data on US military movements.
A report by The Washington Post states that, five weeks into the conflict, a wave of viral posts began circulating on social media, revealing detailed information about US military deployments in the Middle East. These included data on equipment at American bases, movements of aircraft carrier strike groups, and the positioning of warplanes reportedly preparing for operations targeting Tehran.
The source of such information is believed to be a rapidly growing sector in China, where private tech companies are using artificial intelligence (AI) and open-source intelligence (OSINT) to generate and sell analytical insights. These firms दावा that their tools can effectively track and “expose” US military activities.
Some analysts suggest that certain companies may have direct or indirect links to China’s military, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). However, Beijing has denied any direct involvement in the Iran conflict. Observers note that under China’s “civil-military integration” strategy, developed over the past five years, such firms may be leveraging wartime dynamics to demonstrate their capabilities.
US officials remain divided over the seriousness of the threat. While some believe these technologies could pose a real security risk, others argue their effectiveness may be overstated. Nonetheless, there is broad agreement that the growing role of private-sector intelligence providers could present future security challenges.
Ryan Fedasiuk, an analyst at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, noted that the rise of private geospatial intelligence firms in China could enhance the country’s defense capabilities and strengthen its ability to compete with the United States during crises.
One such company, Hangzhou-based MizarVision, founded in 2021, reportedly combines Western and Chinese data sources with AI-driven analysis. The firm claims it can track US military base activities in the Middle East, naval movements, and even identify the locations of specific aircraft and missile defense systems.
According to its published findings, MizarVision detected a significant buildup of US forces in the region prior to the launch of “Operation Epic Fury,” including the advance of two major US carrier strike groups. It also released detailed assessments of US warplane deployments at key regional bases, including Israel’s Ovda Air Base, Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air Base, and Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base.
The company further দাবি that it has rapidly identified the positioning of US military assets in the region and can even analyze fuel supply patterns of American naval vessels.
Another Chinese firm, Jing’an Technology, has similarly claimed that it intercepted communications between two US B-2A Spirit stealth bombers at the outset of “Operation Epic Fury,” though it later removed the data.
However, many US intelligence experts have expressed skepticism over such assertions, arguing that penetrating US stealth communication systems remains highly unlikely. Dennis Wilder, a former CIA official, suggested that these companies may be overstating their capabilities due to internal pressures within China’s intelligence ecosystem.
Despite the সন্দেহ, US lawmakers are treating the issue with increasing গুরুত্ব. They warn that China’s technology sector could transform commercial innovations into tools of military surveillance, potentially posing a significant long-term threat to US security.
Analysts also point out that such private firms may offer China a strategic advantage—allowing the state to benefit from intelligence outputs without direct involvement, thereby maintaining plausible deniability.
It is noteworthy that while Iran remains a longstanding partner and key oil supplier to China, Beijing has not directly engaged in the conflict. Instead, in a recent joint statement with Pakistan, China called for an immediate ceasefire and renewed peace talks.
Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged that Washington’s adversaries may be providing limited intelligence support to Iran, but emphasized that the United States remains vigilant and is adapting its strategies accordingly.
Source: The Washington Post.