Political analyst and head of the Atlas Research Center, Elkhan Shahinoglu, wrote about this on his social media account.

According to the reports, Iranian intelligence approached China’s space technology company, Emposat, requesting satellite imagery of Azerbaijan’s airports in Ganja, Fuzuli, Lachin, and Nakhchivan. The requested images were reportedly delivered to Tehran. The reports also claim that Emposat has been cooperating with Iran since early 2026.

Furthermore, China’s Earth Eye company is alleged to have cooperated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the field of satellite-based intelligence gathering. Neither Iran nor China has so far publicly denied the reports.

It should be recalled that Azerbaijan and China signed a joint declaration on establishing a strategic partnership in April 2025. One of the provisions of the declaration concerns strengthening cooperation and mutual engagement in the field of security. If the allegations that Chinese companies provided Iran with satellite imagery of Azerbaijan’s military and strategic facilities are confirmed, such actions would run contrary to the spirit of the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Military cooperation between China and Iran is no secret. Beijing has reportedly supported Tehran in developing its military capabilities, including by supplying technologies and components necessary for the production of missiles and drones. China has also reportedly assisted Iran in developing its air defence capabilities. However, if this cooperation is directed against the security interests of other countries in the region, it raises serious concerns.

It should also be recalled that during the war involving the United States and Iran, three drones were launched from Iranian territory towards Azerbaijan, targeting the area around Nakhchivan International Airport. The circumstances and reasons behind the incident have yet to be fully clarified.

In addition, a conservative member of the Iranian parliament previously claimed that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had planned to strike Azerbaijan alongside the Gulf countries. According to the lawmaker, President Masoud Pezeshkian prevented the plan from being carried out.

Against this background, reports that Iranian intelligence obtained satellite imagery of Azerbaijani airports through Chinese companies deserve particular attention. If confirmed, these allegations would raise serious questions regarding Azerbaijan’s national security.

Given the possibility of renewed confrontation between the United States and Iran, Azerbaijan must strengthen its preparedness against potential threats and provocations from the southern direction.

In this regard, further strengthening the strategic alliance between Azerbaijan and Türkiye and expanding security cooperation between the two countries are of particular importance.