Amid rumors of an imminent US attack, China sends its Type 055 destroyer directly to Iran’s shores

China has sent its most powerful destroyers to the Gulf of Oman near Iran, according to media reports. The Chinese army has dispatched one of its largest combat ships, Type 055 Destroyer, to head a task group operating in the Gulf of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean, accompanied by a Type 052D Destroyer and the Liaowang-1 Maritime Space Tracking and Surveillance Vessel. The move comes amid possible US military action against Iran, and has sparked speculation that the Chinese ships, particularly the Liaowang-1, could be positioned to observe US and allied naval movements and relay intelligence to Tehran. Given Iran's strategic importance to Beijing, such a role would not be implausible. If confirmed, this presence could complicate any potential western strike by reducing the element of surprise and enhancing Iran's ability to prepare retaliatory measures. On February 10, Chinese outlets released satellite imagery showing a recently installed US Army THAAD missile defense system at Jordan's Muafafak al-Salteir base, a central hub in the latest US military buildup. The images displayed a command center, long-range radar, and six launchers, and may have been intended as a signal that China is prepared to provide satellite and other intelligence assistance to Iran. In addition to satellite coverage and the Liaowang-1's extensive sensor suite, the Type 055 destroyer features advanced dual-band radar systems comparable to the US Navy's intended SPY-3 slash SPY-4 configuration, offering sophisticated over-the-horizon tracking. Such capabilities could potentially supply targeting data to support Iranian missile, drone, or air defense operations. The defensive strength of the Type 055 and Type 052D is also seen as a deterrent against direct western action targeting Chinese assets. Inside a wrecked power plant, snow blankets twisted metal and shattered machinery where a roof once stood. According to Associated Press repair crews move carefully through the debris, dismantling equipment too badly damaged to save, while welders work in the open air, rebuilding skeletal structures amid freezing temperatures. The facility, operated by DTK, Ukraine's largest private energy company, was recently hit by a Russian strike as part of a sustained campaign targeting the country's energy infrastructure. For security reasons, the location of the plant, the timing of the attack and the identities of workers cannot be disclosed. The damage is extensive. Entire sections of the hall lie exposed to the winter elements, turning the repair effort into a race against both time and cold. Workers say conditions inside the plant are essentially outdoors, with temperatures dropping to minus 10 degrees Celsius. The situation is very hard and uncontrolled, one plant worker said. Describing the aftermath of the most recent attack. Another repairman said the lack of walls and a roof makes the work physically exhausting, as crews operate in snow and freezing wind while handling heavy machinery. Despite the destruction, workers say quitting is not an option. How can we give up if we all understand that this work is necessary for our victory, for our salvation, for our future life, another employee said on camera. The strike on this facility is part of a broader Russian campaign aimed at disrupting Ukraine's power supply during one of the coldest winters of the past decade. According to Ukraine's Ministry of Energy, Russian forces attacked energy infrastructure facilities over 4,500 times in 2025 alone. Since the start of the 2025-2026 heating season, Ukrainian security services have documented 256 aerial attacks on energy facilities and district heating systems across the country, officials said. We work on the streets, there are no roofs, no walls, so it's physically hard. We have no other choice. How can we give up if we all understand that this work is necessary for our victory, for our salvation, for our future life, another employee said on camera. Ukrainian security services have documented 256 aerial attacks on energy facilities across the country, so it's physically hard. How can we give up if we all understand that this work is necessary for our victory,