The United States has announced sanctions against an Iran-linked network accused of buying sensitive American military technology for Tehran’s defence sector in violation of US sanctions.
According to US officials, the network “impersonated and defrauded” dozens of American technology companies out of millions of dollars’ worth of advanced equipment, including spectrum analyzers, network security devices, encryption hardware and software, non-linear junction detectors, and other security detection systems. The equipment was allegedly diverted to Iran’s Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics and affiliated entities.
The State Department said the procurement ring used fake websites that mimicked real US firms and relied on intermediaries in Dubai and other jurisdictions to receive shipments before smuggling the technology into Iran. The network was led by Iran-based national Ali Majd Sepehr, who, through his company Sorena Hushmand Samaneh Company, is accused of creating false US business identities to deceive suppliers.
Washington described the move as part of its “Economic Fury” campaign targeting Iran’s military procurement and oil revenue. The US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), working with the Commerce Department and the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, designated multiple individuals, front companies and associated entities involved in the illicit procurement chain.
In a related step, the US also announced a reward of up to 15 million dollars for information that could help disrupt the financial mechanisms of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its various branches. Authorities reiterated that they are prepared to act against any foreign firm supporting Iran’s illicit commerce and military build-up.
The latest measures come just days after Washington imposed sanctions on Iran’s military oil trade, including eight vessels and more than 15 entities involved in transporting Iranian crude oil and petroleum products to global markets, underscoring a broader effort to squeeze Tehran’s ability to fund its armed forces.
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