VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html ‘End of an Era’: Viktor Axelsen retires at 32, Lakshya Sen pays emotional tribute Meet Yvon Chouinard: The billionaire who gave away his $3 billion company to save the planet | CBSE Class 10th rechecking and revaluation 2026: Process, fees, deadlines and application details Kritika Kamra reveals why she and Gaurav Kapur skipped destination wedding: ‘The marriage was the big deal, not the wedding’ Horoscope Tomorrow, April 16, 2026: Your zodiac insights await Perplexity AI Chief Communications Officer Jesse Dwyer may have a ‘message’ for Google: Web search is ‘primitive technology’ and has not seen any innovation for 24 years “You betrayed Charlie”: Candace Owens claims the President betrayed Charlie Kirk as she unleashes explosive criticism in viral rant RCB vs LSG Live Score, IPL 2026: Explosive Royal Challengers Bengaluru eye top spot with win over Lucknow Super Giants First time in 7 years! India gets 4 million barrels of crude oil from Iran just ahead of Trump waiver expiry TS DOST 2026 registration window opens for various courses: Direct link to apply here Mona Singh opens up on Gaurav Gera’s ‘Dhurandhar’ success: ‘Even when he wasn’t getting the work he wanted, he kept going’ You walk every day. You quit sugar. So why is your blood sugar still rising? Doctor explains what people do wrong Keep these flowers in your bedroom to strengthen your relationship (by Number) CBSE Class 10th result 2026 declared via DigiLocker, UMANG app and results.cbse.nic.in Last month, when Kamal Haasan drove into Anna Arivalayam, the DMK headquarters in Chennai, to accept the Rajya Sabha nomination from CM M K Stalin, it marked the end of the road for the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) founder’s promise to provide an alternative to the two Dravidian parties in Tamil Nadu.Haasan launched MNM in Feb 2018, seeking to distil the anger against the establishment. MNM’s first political promo ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha elections showed the actor breaking a TV set that’s beaming a speech, ostensibly by Stalin. Cut to 2026 and, having accepted a Rajya Sabha nomination, Haasan “magnanimously” surrendered the three assembly seats DMK had offered to MNM as an alliance offering. Watch Inside BJP Manifesto For Tamil Nadu 2026: Women Aid, Farmer Support And Safety Push Why did Haasan, who redefined success in movies, fail to live up to his promise as a politician? The mistakes, probably, started early. MNM, true to its name (‘Maiam’ means centre), sought to be a centrist force, representing diverse sections of society. That positioning itself was seen as lacking credibility, since Haasan was known for his leftist views much before his political entry. Being at the centre of the political discourse also smacked of political ambivalence.In the poll arena, MNM met with successive electoral setbacks. In 2019 Lok Sabha polls, it contested 37 seats and drew a blank, with a vote share of 3.7%. In 2021 assembly elections, it fielded candidates in 154 seats, won nothing, and saw its vote share dip to 2.5%. In neighbouring Puducherry, it got just 1.8% votes. Ahead of the 2024 general elections, MNM joined the DMK-led alliance.Following the demise of influential leaders such as Jayalalithaa and M Karunanidhi, many saw a new political space in Tamil Nadu, which film personalities like Haasan and Rajinikanth could potentially fill. While Haasan took the plunge, Rajinikanth shelved his political plans in late 2020, citing health concerns.Haasan’s core team comprised people from diverse professional backgrounds — IAS officer Santhosh Babu, retired IPS officer A G Maurya, businessman R Mahendran, entrepreneur C K Kumaravel, social worker Kameela Nasser, actordirector Sripriya, and writer Suka. Though notable in their respective fields, they were all political novices, and Haasan failed to attract veterans from other parties.Anusha Ravi, a lawyer who was MNM propaganda secretary, says she joined the party attracted by Haasan’s call for change. “But, soon, he lost his conviction and I felt demotivated. Haasan is passionate about cinema, but not politics,” says Ravi, who joined BJP in 2024.Some political analysts feel Haasan lacked a coherent political strategy. “MNM has had a weak organisational structure and limited engagement with people,” says political commentator Aazhi Senthilnathan. “Haasan’s appeal remains largely confined to urban voters. Several key members exited the party after the 2019 debacle, some joining other parties like DMK.”Political analyst Priyan Srinivasan says Haasan was unsure of how to deal with setbacks. “Electoral defeat is normal; one must have a plan to take the party forward,” he says. “Look at Naam Tamilar Katchi. It faced several defeats, but its leader Seeman is least frustrated and keeps the party relevant.”Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) general secretary D Ravikumar says Haasan’s electoral loss to Vanathi Srinivasan by a narrow margin in Coimbatore in 2019 was a turning point. “Had he won, his political career would have been different. Sustaining a political party requires patience, grassroots work, and long-term commitment,” says Ravikumar, who terms Haasan’s migration to DMK fold “pragmatic and regressive”.In cinema, Haasan, called ‘Sakalakala Vallavan (master of all arts)’ is known for displaying intellectual depth and creative assertiveness. However, many of his works struggled to resonate with rural audiences, as his ideas were sometimes ahead of their time. Mentored by legendary director K Balachander, Haasan rose to become one of South India’s most celebrated actors.Yet, the transition from cinema to politics brings a different set of challenges, where individual brilliance must give way to collective leadership and organisational strength.Haasan is not the first big star to fail in politics. Legendary actor Sivaji Ganesan tried his luck with DMK and Congress, before founding Thamizhaga Munnetra Munnani in 1988. After failing to make a mark in the 1989 elections, it merged with Janata Dal. For Tamil Nadu’s latest film-to-politics crossover star TVK leader Vijay, Haasan’s journey holds several lessons.CROSSOVER STARSM G Ramachandran | The actor joined DMK in 1953 after leaving Congress. He was appointed party treasurer in 1969. In 1972, after differences within saw him expelled from DMK, MGR floated his party, ADMK. He would serve as a two-term CM, remaining in the saddle for 10 years.J Jayalalithaa | She joined ADMK in 1982 and quickly rose through the ranks to become its propaganda secretary by 1983. Known as ‘Puratchi Thalaivi’, or ‘revolutionary leader’, she was a five-time CM and was an ADMK colossus who has been the longest-serving general secretary of the party.Sivaji Ganesan | Founded Thamizhaga Munnetra Munnani party in 1988 after leaving Congress. But the party failed to win seats in 1989 polls, leading him to briefly join Janata Dal before retiring from politics.Vijayakanth | Founded DMDK in 2005 and served as a two-time MLA from the party. DMDK emerged as the second-largest party in the 2011 assembly elections and Vijayakanth went on to become leader of the opposition in the Tamil Nadu assembly from 2011 to 2016.R Sarath Kumar | The actor founded All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi (AISMK) in 2007. After leading the party for over 16 years, he merged it with BJP in 2024, citing the need for stronger collective action and ideological alignment with PM Modi.About the AuthorNeeraja RameshNeeraja Ramesh is a Chennai-based journalist with The Times of India. As senior news editor, she heads the Tamil Nadu nation desk and oversees city and front pages of TN editions. With 25 years of experience in journalism, she has in-depth knowledge in cinema, trends, art and culture.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelimitation Bill Includes Provision For EC To Conduct Exercise In PoK When Conditions ChangeIMF Raises India’s FY27 Growth Outlook to 6.5% Despite Global Slowdown, Flags Rising RisksIran’s Chokehold On Hormuz: How Prepared Is India To Tackle Naval Mine Threat?Pawan Khera Faces Setback As SC Stays Bail, Cites Jurisdiction Issue In Assam CM Passport Row CaseTharoor Pushes EU-Inspired Model Amid Rising Concerns Over DelimitationED Raids AAP MP Ashok Mittal’s Premises Days After His Elevation In Rajya SabhaManipur Violence Flares In Bishnupur After Clashes Erupt Over Deadly Blast, Curbs Slapped’No Veto, No Real Reform’: India Calls UNSC Structure Outdated, Demands Permanent Seat’Stay Tuned’: US Envoy Sergio Gor Teases Big Moves With Cryptic Post After Modi-Trump Conversation’National Security Is Collective Duty’: Ajit Doval Highlights Key People Power Amid ‘New Awakening’123PhotostoriesFrom a massive living area to an entertainment room and art collection: Ram Kapoor’s approximately Rs 20 crore Mumbai house8 famous street foods in Varanasi you must try at least once5 parenting lessons children remember foreverThis mushroom helps reduce fatigue and costs Rs 1 lakh per kg, here’s why5 temples in Karnataka that prove ancient India was ahead of its timeThe spiritual power you carry based on your birth number7 refreshing cold coffee drinks to try this summerAditi Rao Hydari makes a case for lime green as the new royal neutral at Gwalior’s Jai Vilas PalaceYuzvendra Chahal ‘Yuzi’s’ ₹25 crore multi-storey bungalow in Gurgaon combines designer interiors, cricket trophy gallery and family-first living5 teacher-student talks that should never happen in classroom123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingGold RateBIE AP inter Result ReleasedMP Board Result Official WebsiteAssam HSLC ResultMP Board Class 10th result 2026Zoji La TunnelTrump-Modi CallIPL Points TableUS VP pick 2020Lonna Drewes NADA RTP Update: Abhishek Sharma, Axar Patel added to testing pool NEET UG admit card 2026 expected to be released soon: Check steps to download hall ticket here A man gatecrashed Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma’s wedding in Italy, reveals security in charge: ‘He arrived in a BMW’ How Kerala’s 300-year-old flooring method keeps homes cool without AC and why it needs to make a comeback in Indian homes VinFast VF MPV 7 vs Kia Clavis EV: Price, battery, specs compared Forget solar panels: This ‘wood battery’ powers homes even in total darkness Did China secretly help Iran track US bases? The ‘spy satellite’ in question North Korea Nuclear Weapons: ‘Very serious increase’: UN watchdog flags sharp rise in North Korea’s nuclear activity at Yongbyon ‘Misrule, chaos, corruption’: PM Modi targets Mamata-led TMC govt in ‘Poila Boishakh’ message | India News India exports fall 7.44% in March to $38.92 bn amid Middle East disruption, trade deficit at $20.67 bn CBSE DRQ Tier II exam 2026 admit card released: Check direct link to download hall ticket here ‘Hrithik Roshan can eat 14 chapattis, Vicky Kaushal can eat a brick and digest it,’ says fitness trainer and ‘Dhurandhar’ actor Mustafa Ahmed India-US trade talks: Indian team to visit Washington from April 20; move follows Modi-Trump call Discovery of 600 gold coins valued at $330,000 by two hikers in a can in the Czech Republic | World News NEW DELHI: The rift between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has deepened, with senior leaders publicly accusing him of betrayal and linking recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) action against party MP Ashok Mittal to the internal fallout. The escalation comes amid reports of Chadha being granted Z-category security by the Centre, triggering sharp reactions from AAP leaders who have alleged political collusion.’BJP people came out to defend Raghav’: Bharadwaj targets ChadhaAAP MLA Saurabh Bharadwaj launched a direct attack on Chadha and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging a coordinated pattern involving central agencies, political appointments and security cover.In a post on X, Bharadwaj said: “BJP Govt toolbox is so so predictable. Raghav Chadha was threatened by ED and he out of fear or greed decided to backstab his party who made him MP or whatever he is today. When Raghav is called out on Social Media, BJP people came out to defend Raghav. On position of Dy Leader, AAP replaced Raghav with Ashok Mittal. Now ED instead of hounding Raghav , goes after Ashok Mittal and raids his home & business. And Centre gives Z+ security to Raghav Chadha. All this appears so much linked to each other. So BJP’s Govt is so desperate that they raided MP Ashok Mittal for Raghav Chadha As per sources, Raghav Chadha is behind ED raid on AAP MP Ashok Mittal.”The remarks reflect the growing distrust within AAP ranks, where Chadha’s recent removal as deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha has triggered a wider political and organisational crisis.ED raids on Ashok Mittal trigger political stormThe ED conducted searches at premises linked to AAP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Kumar Mittal in Punjab and Haryana under the Foreign Exchange Management Act. Officials said around 10 locations in Jalandhar and Gurugram were covered, including sites linked to Lovely Professional University and associated educational institutions.Mittal, who replaced Chadha as deputy leader in the Upper House, is also the Chancellor of the Phagwara-based university. The action has been described by AAP leaders as politically motivated, particularly in the context of the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections.There was no immediate response from the BJP on the allegations made by AAP leaders.Kejriwal alleges BJP using agencies ahead of pollsAAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal accused the Centre of initiating a political crackdown ahead of elections.In a post on X, he said, “Modi ji has started preparations for the elections in Punjab. But, the people of Punjab will not tolerate this… they would give a befitting reply to the BJP.”Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann also condemned the raids, echoing concerns that central agencies were being used as part of an election strategy.AAP leader Anurag Dhanda questioned whether the BJP could contest elections without relying on agencies such as the ED and the CBI, while senior leader Manish Sisodia alleged a pattern where enforcement action is followed by political mobilisation.Sanjay Singh attacks Centre, calls raids ‘example of same game’AAP MP Sanjay Singh intensified the attack, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of misusing institutions to secure electoral advantage.“Wherever elections are held, the BJP uses its own agencies. PM Modi’s popularity has waned across the country. Now his only option is to misuse the ED, CBI, and the Election Commission to win elections. This formula of the BJP will not work in Punjab. The sudden and massive attack on Ashok Mittal is an example of the same game. Everyone is standing together strongly, and I will try to raise this issue in the session too. These people will play many such games before the Punjab elections,” he said.Punjab minister Balbir Singh also criticised the BJP, alleging misuse of agencies and calling the action politically motivated.BJP hits back, calls AAP ‘party for thieves’Responding to the allegations, Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu launched a counterattack on AAP, accusing it of corruption.“Bhagwant Mann, your party is the one for thieves and robbers. The people of Punjab are filing cases against the state’s ministers, and investigation agencies are catching a few corrupt MPs. Modi ji’s policy is Clean India; under it, the filth will certainly be cleaned up,” he said.The sharp exchange underscores the intensifying political battle in Punjab ahead of elections, with both sides trading allegations over corruption and misuse of power.What triggered the AAP vs Raghav Chadha falloutThe current crisis traces back to Chadha’s removal as deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, a move seen as a major setback for one of AAP’s prominent national faces. Once considered a close aide of Kejriwal and a key strategist behind the party’s Punjab victory in 2022, Chadha has in recent months found himself at odds with the leadership.AAP leaders accused him of deviating from the party line, engaging in what they termed “soft PR”, and failing to aggressively target the Centre in Parliament. They also pointed to his absence during key political moments, including protests and leadership crises.Chadha, however, has rejected the allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated. In a video message, he said his silence should not be mistaken for weakness and challenged the party to provide evidence for its claims.The fallout has now moved beyond internal disagreements to a full-blown public confrontation, with leaders openly questioning Chadha’s loyalty and intent. Bharadwaj’s remarks linking him to ED action have further escalated tensions, marking one of the sharpest attacks by the party against its own MP.The developments come at a critical time for AAP, particularly in Punjab where it is in power and faces upcoming electoral challenges. The combination of internal dissent, central agency action and political attacks from rivals has created a volatile environment for the party.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIran’s Chokehold On Hormuz: How Prepared Is India To Tackle Naval Mine Threat?Pawan Khera Faces Setback As SC Stays Bail, Cites Jurisdiction Issue In Assam CM Passport Row CaseTharoor Pushes EU-Inspired Model Amid Rising Concerns Over DelimitationED Raids AAP MP Ashok Mittal’s Premises Days After His Elevation In Rajya SabhaManipur Violence Flares In Bishnupur After Clashes Erupt Over Deadly Blast, Curbs Slapped’No Veto, No Real Reform’: India Calls UNSC Structure Outdated, Demands Permanent Seat’Stay Tuned’: US Envoy Sergio Gor Teases Big Moves With Cryptic Post After Modi-Trump Conversation’National Security Is Collective Duty’: Ajit Doval Highlights Key People Power Amid ‘New Awakening”Great Contributors’: How JD Vance Balances Praise For Indian Roots With Criticism Of H1B Visa FraudChhattisgarh: 10 Killed, 23 Injured As Boiler Explodes At Vedanta Power Plant123Photostories8 famous street foods in Varanasi you must try at least once5 parenting lessons children remember foreverThis mushroom helps reduce fatigue and costs Rs 1 lakh per kg, here’s why5 temples in Karnataka that prove ancient India was ahead of its timeThe spiritual power you carry based on your birth number7 refreshing cold coffee drinks to try this summerAditi Rao Hydari makes a case for lime green as the new royal neutral at Gwalior’s Jai Vilas PalaceYuzvendra Chahal ‘Yuzi’s’ ₹25 crore multi-storey bungalow in Gurgaon combines designer interiors, cricket trophy gallery and family-first living5 teacher-student talks that should never happen in classroomTaste of the Himalayas: 5 rare wild fruits of Nepal you must try once in your life123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingGold RateBIE AP inter Result ReleasedMP Board Result Official WebsiteAssam HSLC ResultMP Board Class 10th result 2026Zoji La TunnelTrump-Modi CallIPL Points TableUS VP pick 2020Lonna Drewes CBSE Class 10 result 2026: Alternative methods available if official website experiences heavy traffic Ranveer Singh was shy during a bold photoshoot with Sonali Raut when he started out: ‘He was chewing gum, wearing perfume’ Stalin vs Centre: Why is Tamil Nadu protesting the delimitation bill Hiv Outbreak Pakistan: Probe uncovers syringe reuse at Pakistan hospital as 331 children test HIV-positive Photo credit: ANI KOLKATA: On the occasion of Bengali New Year, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee extended ‘Poila Boishakh’ greetings to people and urged the electorate to give a befitting reply to the attempts by the “zamindars in Delhi” to snatch people’s voting rights.In a post on X, she expressed hope the Bengali New Year would make people’s lives “free of blemishes”. She also highlighted Bengal’s cultural legacy, adding that the state stands as a symbol of communal harmony.The incumbent chief minister alleged that some “malevolent forces” were attempting to tarnish this harmony, and accused “Delhi’s zamindars” of trying to usurp people’s voting rights.”Remember, we must give a befitting reply to them democratically,” Banerjee said in the X post.Calling for unity, she urged people to vow to break down the “walls of narrow-mindedness” and remain united against divisive and authoritarian forces.She also appealed to voters to uphold their democratic rights in the forthcoming Assembly elections by voting for the Trinamool Congress.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIran’s Chokehold On Hormuz: How Prepared Is India To Tackle Naval Mine Threat?Pawan Khera Faces Setback As SC Stays Bail, Cites Jurisdiction Issue In Assam CM Passport Row CaseTharoor Pushes EU-Inspired Model Amid Rising Concerns Over DelimitationED Raids AAP MP Ashok Mittal’s Premises Days After His Elevation In Rajya SabhaManipur Violence Flares In Bishnupur After Clashes Erupt Over Deadly Blast, Curbs Slapped’No Veto, No Real Reform’: India Calls UNSC Structure Outdated, Demands Permanent Seat’Stay Tuned’: US Envoy Sergio Gor Teases Big Moves With Cryptic Post After Modi-Trump Conversation’National Security Is Collective Duty’: Ajit Doval Highlights Key People Power Amid ‘New Awakening”Great Contributors’: How JD Vance Balances Praise For Indian Roots With Criticism Of H1B Visa FraudChhattisgarh: 10 Killed, 23 Injured As Boiler Explodes At Vedanta Power Plant123Photostories8 famous street foods in Varanasi you must try at least once5 parenting lessons children remember foreverThis mushroom helps reduce fatigue and costs Rs 1 lakh per kg, here’s why5 temples in Karnataka that prove ancient India was ahead of its timeThe spiritual power you carry based on your birth number7 refreshing cold coffee drinks to try this summerAditi Rao Hydari makes a case for lime green as the new royal neutral at Gwalior’s Jai Vilas Palace10 ways to be more likeable, as per psychologyYuzvendra Chahal ‘Yuzi’s’ ₹25 crore multi-storey bungalow in Gurgaon combines designer interiors, cricket trophy gallery and family-first living5 teacher-student talks that should never happen in classroom123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingGold RateBIE AP inter Result ReleasedMP Board Result Official WebsiteAssam HSLC ResultMP Board Class 10th result 2026Zoji La TunnelTrump-Modi CallIPL Points TableUS VP pick 2020Lonna Drewes Farida Jalal opens up on being typecast for decades: ‘Respect and Status are hard to come by, you have to make sacrifices’ | Hindi Movie News From ‘Chotu’ to ‘Aradhya’: Names Rajasthan govt says parents should think twice about ‘Secretly switched planes’: What led Iran delegation to reroute after failed US talks in Pakistan King Charles Iii Us Visit: King Charles, Queen Camilla not to meet Epstein survivors during historic US visit — here’s why NEW DELHI: Iran used a Chinese-built spy satellite to monitor and target US military bases across the Middle East during the recent conflict, according to an investigation by the Financial Times, citing leaked Iranian military documents and satellite data.Meanwhile China’s ministry of foreign affairs spokesperson rejecting the claims said, “Media reports accusing China of providing military support to Iran are purely fabricated. If the US goes ahead with tariff hikes on China on the basis of these accusations, China will respond with countermeasures.”The report states that the satellite, named TEE-01B, was secretly acquired by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force in late 2024 after being launched from China. Built by Chinese firm Earth Eye Co, the satellite was transferred in orbit under a little-known export model described as “in-orbit delivery”.Leaked documents, including time-stamped coordinate logs, imagery and orbital analysis, show that Iranian commanders used the satellite to monitor key US military facilities before and after missile and drone strikes in March.Among the sites surveilled were Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, which the satellite imaged on March 13, 14 and 15. On March 14, US President Donald Trump confirmed that US aircraft stationed there had been hit, with five US Air Force refuelling planes damaged.The satellite also monitored Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, areas near the US Fifth Fleet base in Manama, Bahrain, Erbil airport in Iraq, as well as Camp Buehring and Ali Al Salem air base in Kuwait. Additional targets included Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti and Duqm International Airport in Oman.The report further notes that civilian infrastructure in the Gulf was also observed, including the Khor Fakkan container port and the Qidfa power and desalination plant in the United Arab Emirates, along with the Alba aluminium facility in Bahrain.Under the agreement, the IRGC gained access to ground control infrastructure operated by Emposat, a Beijing-based provider with a global network. This enabled Iran to operate the satellite remotely, receive imagery, and direct missions from multiple locations.In September 2024, the IRGC Aerospace Force agreed to pay approximately Rmb250 million, or about $36.6 million, for the satellite system, including launch, technical support and data services, according to the documents.Experts said the satellite marks a major upgrade in Iran’s capabilities. “This satellite is clearly being used for military purposes, as it is being run by the IRGC’s Aerospace Force and not Iran’s civilian space programme,” said Nicole Grajewski. “Iran really needs this foreign-provided capability during this war, as it allows the IRGC to identify targets ahead of time and check the success of its strikes,” she added.TEE-01B is capable of capturing imagery at roughly half-metre resolution, significantly sharper than Iran’s earlier systems such as Noor-3, which offered about 5-metre resolution and could not clearly identify aircraft or detailed activity at bases.Analysts say the arrangement also reflects a broader strategy to protect Iran’s space assets. “This amounts to a dispersion strategy for Iran’s space assets,” said Jim Lamson. “Iran’s satellite ground stations, which were hit in 2025 and 2026, can be hit very easily by missiles from a thousand miles away. You can’t just hit a Chinese ground station located in another country,” he added.Israel’s military has said it struck multiple Iranian space and satellite-related facilities during the conflict, including a key research centre linked to the Iranian space programme.The development comes amid deepening cooperation between Iran, China and Russia in the space domain. China has positioned its commercial space sector as civilian, although analysts point to increasing dual-use applications.US officials have previously raised concerns about Chinese satellite firms aiding actors hostile to US interests. The Financial Times reported earlier that Chang Guang Satellite Technology had provided imagery to Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.Emposat has also drawn scrutiny for its links to China’s military ecosystem. It was identified in a report by the US House China committee as having connections to the People’s Liberation Army Aerospace Force.“Emposat is a rising star in China’s commercial space sector, but it’s still a product of the state and military establishment,” said Aidan Powers-Riggs. “It was founded by veterans of China’s state-run space programme and bankrolled by investment from national military-civil fusion funds.”Former US intelligence officials have also suggested that Beijing’s support for Tehran may be part of a broader strategic calculus. Dennis Wilder said China has historically provided Iran with military support, including anti-ship missiles used in the Strait of Hormuz.One person familiar with the matter said the US had indications China was considering supplying shoulder-fired missiles to Iran, similar to those reportedly used to shoot down a US fighter jet. The Central Intelligence Agency declined to comment, and the White House did not directly address the satellite link.Responding to questions, China’s embassy in Washington said, “We firmly oppose relevant parties spreading speculative and insinuative disinformation against China.” Spokesperson Liu Pengyu added, “We uphold an objective and impartial stance, and have made efforts to promote peace talks. We never engage in actions that escalate conflicts.”The findings underscore growing concerns in Washington over the blurred lines between China’s commercial and military space capabilities, and their potential role in conflicts across the Middle East.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPawan Khera Faces Setback As SC Stays Bail, Cites Jurisdiction Issue In Assam CM Passport Row CaseTharoor Pushes EU-Inspired Model Amid Rising Concerns Over DelimitationED Raids AAP MP Ashok Mittal’s Premises Days After His Elevation In Rajya SabhaManipur Violence Flares In Bishnupur After Clashes Erupt Over Deadly Blast, Curbs Slapped’No Veto, No Real Reform’: India Calls UNSC Structure Outdated, Demands Permanent Seat’Stay Tuned’: US Envoy Sergio Gor Teases Big Moves With Cryptic Post After Modi-Trump Conversation’National Security Is Collective Duty’: Ajit Doval Highlights Key People Power Amid ‘New Awakening”Great Contributors’: How JD Vance Balances Praise For Indian Roots With Criticism Of H1B Visa FraudChhattisgarh: 10 Killed, 23 Injured As Boiler Explodes At Vedanta Power PlantSamrat Chaudhary Becomes Bihar CM: A Political Journey Marked by Setbacks and Reinvention123Photostories5 temples in Karnataka that prove ancient India was ahead of its timeThe spiritual power you carry based on your birth number7 refreshing cold coffee drinks to try this summerAditi Rao Hydari makes a case for lime green as the new royal neutral at Gwalior’s Jai Vilas PalaceYuzvendra Chahal ‘Yuzi’s’ ₹25 crore multi-storey bungalow in Gurgaon combines designer interiors, cricket trophy gallery and family-first living5 teacher-student talks that should never happen in classroomTaste of the Himalayas: 5 rare wild fruits of Nepal you must try once in your lifeWorried about ‘kitchen sponge cancer’? Expert explains the real risk and easy fixesDoes bhindi (okra) turn sticky while cooking? 6 smart hacks to prevent itOTT releases this week (April 13 – April 19): ‘Toaster’, ‘Matka King’, ‘Assi’ to ‘Euphoria’ Season 3123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingGold RateBIE AP inter Result ReleasedMP Board Result Official WebsiteAssam HSLC ResultMP Board Class 10th result 2026Zoji La TunnelTrump-Modi CallIPL Points TableUS VP pick 2020Lonna Drewes NCA feels more like a ‘Hospital’… players are fearful of going: Munaf Patel US-Iran war hits wholesale prices: WPI inflation rises to 3.88% in March as crude prices skyrocket ‘Aap hamesha yaad aayenge’: Akshay Kumar’s heartfelt tribute to Asrani in emotional ‘Bhooth Bangla’ SM post | Hindi Movie News ‘You’ll see a Tamil Nadu you have not seen before’: CM MK Stalin warns of 1960s-like anti-Hindi stir if Centre pushes delimitation Us-Iran Peace Talks: US sets new terms ahead of next Iran talks in Pakistan: Report Iran war impact: Will Pakistan be forced into rationing fuel if conflict drags on? Ranveer Singh’s old clip talking about ban on Pakistani artists in India goes viral, netizens say he was perfect for ‘Dhurandhar’ Yuzvendra Chahal ‘Yuzi’s’ ₹25 crore multi-storey bungalow in Gurgaon combines designer interiors, cricket trophy gallery and family-first living The spiritual power you carry based on your birth number ‘I love my in-laws’: JD Vance calls Indian-origin family ‘great contributors’ in immigration debate