According to the report, the satellite, identified as TEE-01B and developed by Earth Eye Co., was acquired in late 2024 by the Aerospace Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps after being launched from China.

The newspaper said Iranian commanders directed the satellite to track key U.S. military installations, citing time-stamped coordinates, orbital analysis and imagery purportedly showing surveillance activity before and after missile and drone strikes carried out in March.

The report added that Iran gained access to satellite control infrastructure through Emposat, a Beijing-based firm operating commercial ground stations across multiple regions, enabling data transmission and operational support.China’s foreign ministry denied the allegations, saying in a statement that claims linking Beijing to the reported activities were fabricated.

“Recently, some forces have been keen on fabricating rumors and maliciously associating them to China,” the ministry said, adding that China “firmly opposes this kind of practice driven by ulterior motives.”Reuters could not independently verify the Financial Times report.

The development, if confirmed, would underscore the increasing role of commercial satellite capabilities in modern conflict, particularly in providing real-time intelligence for targeting and surveillance operations.

The Orion spacecraft, carrying Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, reentered Earth’s atmosphere at speeds approaching Mach 33, enduring extreme heat before parachuting into the Pacific, where recovery forces including the USS John P. Murtha awaited.

The mission, launched from Florida on April 1, represents NASA’s first crewed journey to the vicinity of the moon in more than five decades. Artemis II did not land or enter lunar orbit but surpassed the distance record set by Apollo 13, reaching approximately 252,756 miles (406,771 km) from Earth.

Mission control monitored the critical reentry phase closely, particularly the performance of the spacecraft’s heat shield, which must withstand temperatures of several thousand degrees. A brief communications blackout lasting about six minutes occurred as expected before parachute deployment.

During the mission’s lunar flyby earlier in the week, the crew captured imagery of the moon’s far side and observed a total solar eclipse, according to NASA. Astronauts also transmitted images showing Earth setting behind the lunar horizon, evoking earlier Apollo-era imagery.

Despite its achievements, the mission encountered minor technical issues, including valve problems affecting drinking water and propellant systems, as well as intermittent malfunctions in onboard sanitation equipment. Crew members reported managing the issues without significant impact on mission objectives.

Artemis II is a precursor to future missions under NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to establish a sustained human presence on the moon. Planned follow-on missions include Artemis III, expected to test docking maneuvers in Earth orbit, and Artemis IV, which is intended to attempt a crewed lunar landing near the moon’s south pole later in the decade.

The mission drew international attention and marked a significant step in the United States’ renewed efforts in human deep-space exploration.

The signing followed a highly anticipated summit between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Indian Premier in the historic city of Jeddah which is 80 kms away from the Holy City of Mecca.

Officials from both sides described the discussions as “brotherly,” a term that reflects more than diplomacy—it suggests a vision grounded in mutual respect and forward-looking ambition.

Energy and Sustainability at the Core

Half of the deal—$50 billion—is earmarked for energy cooperation, underscoring the sector’s centrality to the partnership. Two state-of-the-art Saudi-funded oil refineries will be built in India, aiming to reduce dependency on energy imports from third countries and enhance India’s refining capacity.

But this isn’t just about fossil fuels. In a signal of shared green ambition, energy giants like Aramco and SABIC will also collaborate with Indian counterparts on hydrogen production and renewable technologies.

There’s even a joint feasibility study in the works for a cross-border electricity grid, which could one day allow energy to flow between the two nations—a vision of sustainable interdependence rarely seen on the global stage.

Revving Up Infrastructure and Industrial Collaboration

Another $20 billion will be steered into infrastructure and manufacturing, primarily through the Saudi Public Investment Fund. Indian port cities and metro rail networks are expected to be key beneficiaries, boosting urban mobility and freight efficiency.

A standout initiative is the Bharat Mobility Corridor, which will connect key logistics hubs across India.

At the same time, over 40 Indian firms are preparing to set up their regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia, in alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 economic diversification goals. It’s a two-way street of investment, jobs, and shared growth.

New Security Ties in a Changing World

With $15 billion allocated to defense and security, the deal also marks a significant turn in military cooperation. The establishment of a bilateral Defense Cooperation Committee lays the groundwork for joint military exercises and technology sharing, particularly in the rapidly evolving drone and surveillance sectors.

This level of military synergy signals more than a transactional relationship—it’s a long-term alignment in response to shifting geopolitical dynamics, from the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean.

Betting on the Future: Tech, Space, and Startups

The agreement also places a bold bet on the future. A $10 billion investment package will boost India’s innovation sectors, especially artificial intelligence, biotech, and space technology.

Saudi venture capital is expected to flow into Indian startups, fostering a tech pipeline that stretches from Bengaluru to Riyadh.

Four new MoUs related to space research were signed, including proposals for satellite launches and collaborative missions. The nations also announced joint initiatives in postal tech upgrades and anti-doping research, reflecting a broader embrace of science and ethics in global cooperation.

People, Culture, and the Soft Power Connection

Topping off the deal is a $5 billion investment in cultural and human exchange. Saudi Arabia has increased India’s annual Hajj quota to over 175,000 pilgrims, recognizing the deep spiritual ties between the countries.

In a unique cultural twist, the Kingdom is also investing in Bollywood, a move that not only celebrates Indian cinema but also enhances Saudi Arabia’s own cultural soft power.

Restoration projects for historical sites in both countries are on the agenda, reinforcing the idea that heritage and history are assets—not just artifacts—in diplomacy.

A Deal Measured in More Than Dollars

This isn’t just a $100 billion agreement—it’s a strategic realignment. It signals a world where oil partnerships coexist with clean energy dreams, and where security ties are reinforced with shared tech and cultural understanding.

As the Indo-Gulf axis grows stronger, India and Saudi Arabia are setting a precedent. Not merely as trade partners or defense allies, but as co-architects of a new regional order—one built on shared prosperity, mutual respect, and a future-oriented vision.