Trump downplays report of Chinese entities aiding Iran before Jordan attack
President Trump dismissed a Wall Street Journal report that Iran obtained satellite imagery from Chinese sources prior to an attack in Jordan that killed three U.S. troops, saying both nations conduct similar surveillance.
Share
Desk Analysis
How This Affects the Exchange
Sector Effect
Negative · Do not buy
Geopolitical tension involving Iran and China may raise oil price volatility and risk perception, negatively affecting Oil & Gas and broader market sentiment – avoid buying.
Sectors & Direction
Desk read
Desk call: Do not buy · Negatively affected
- Oil & GasNegatively affected
- MarketsNegatively affected
- EconomyNegatively affected
Companies
Mentions in This Briefing
Sectors: Oil & Gas, Markets, Economy — Negative · Do not buy. PSX tickers: MEBL, MCB, UBL, HBL, BAHL, FABL. Geopolitical tension involving Iran and China may raise oil price volatility and risk perception, negatively affecting Oil & Gas and broader market sentiment – avoid buying.
Full Story
Open on Business Recorder## President Trump's remarks
President Donald Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday, rejected a recent Wall Street Journal report that Iran received satellite images of a Jordanian military base from Chinese entities before an attack that killed three U.S. service members in July. He did not directly answer whether the issue would be raised at his upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, scheduled for September 24 in the United States.
## Comparison of surveillance practices
Trump equated the surveillance activities of the United States and China, stating, “They basically do what we do… When they say China spies on us, I say you’re right and we spy on them too.” He reiterated his view of a reasonable relationship with Xi, noting that both leaders have behaved “reasonably well.”
## Details of the unverified report
The Wall Street Journal article, citing unnamed U.S. officials, claimed Iran obtained satellite imagery of a Jordanian base from unnamed Chinese entities before the July attack. The report did not name the Chinese firms involved nor allege direct involvement by the Beijing government. Reuters could not independently verify the story.
## Wider geopolitical context
Trump’s comments align with the administration’s recent effort to downplay broader U.S.-China tensions, despite ongoing U.S. concerns about Beijing’s close ties to Tehran. The conflict between the United States and Iran, which began in late February, has already resulted in the deaths of at least 18 U.S. service personnel.
## Potential market implications
Heightened geopolitical risk in the Middle East, especially involving Iran and China, can influence global oil prices and investor sentiment toward risk‑sensitive sectors on the Pakistan Stock Exchange.