US sanctions Chinese firms over Iran-linked satellite imagery ahead of Trump-Xi summit

The State Department sanctioned three Chinese companies for providing satellite imagery that enables Iran’s military strikes against U.S. forces, signaling intensified pressure on Beijing as President Trump prepares to meet Xi Jinping in Beijing. The move follows reporting that China has continued to support Tehran’s drone program and complements broader sanctions on Iranian entities; Washington says the actions aim to curb Iran’s capabilities and could bolster leverage with Xi during next week’s talks about Gulf security and Hormuz shipping.