US Sanctions Iran-Linked Network For Targeting American Firms To Acquire Sensitive Military Tech

Last Updated:May 30, 2026, 09:45 IST

The network used fake websites that mimicked legitimate American companies, relied on intermediaries in Dubai to receive shipments, and then smuggled the technology into Iran.

US-Iran War: The United States on Friday (local time) announced sweeping new sanctions against “sophisticated Iranian procurement network" accused of obtaining sensitive military technology through deception and sanctions evasion.

In a statement, State Deaprtment deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the network had impersonated and defrauded dozens of American technology companies, securing advanced equipment worth millions of dollars for Iran’s defence sector. The equipment allegedly included spectrum analyzers and security detection devices.

As reported by news agency AFP, citing the Trump administration, the network used fake websites that mimicked legitimate American companies, relied on intermediaries in Dubai to receive shipments, and then smuggled the technology into Iran in violation of US sanctions. The operation was allegedly led by Iran-based Ali Majd Sepehr.

Additionally, US Treasury Department unveiled fresh sanctions against 10 individuals and companies across West Asia, Asia and Eastern Europe accused of supporting Iran’s military procurement efforts. The sanctions are part of President Donald Trump’s “Economic Fury" campaign and broader “maximum pressure" strategy aimed at curbing Iran’s weapons development programmes.

The Treasury Department said the measures target networks linked to the Center for Progress and Development of Iran (CDPI), formerly known as the Center for Innovation and Technology Cooperation (CITC), which Washington accuses of coordinating technology and weapons acquisitions for Iran.

“While the surviving IRGC leaders are trapped like rats in a sinking ship, the Treasury Department is unrelenting in our Economic Fury campaign," said US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent.

“Under President Trump’s decisive leadership, we will continue to act to keep America safe and target foreign individuals and companies providing Iran’s military with weapons for use against US forces," he added.

Among those sanctioned were China-based Yushita Shanghai International Trade Co Ltd and Hitex Insulation Ningbo Company Limited, Hong Kong-based AE International Trade Co Limited, HK Hesin Industry Co Limited and Mustad Limited, as well as Belarus-based Armoury Alliance LLC. Several individuals were also designated for allegedly facilitating procurement activities on behalf of Iran.

US officials said that some of the targeted entities helped procure components for Iran’s Shahed-series drones and ballistic missile programme. Treasury also sanctioned Iran-based Pishgam Electronic Safeh Company (PESC), which it accused of sourcing servomotors recovered from downed Shahed-136 drones for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The Treasury Department said the measures are part of President Trump’s renewed “maximum pressure" strategy aimed at curbing Iran’s ballistic missile development, weapons procurement activities and regional military influence.

According to the Treasury, under the sanctions, all US-based property and interests linked to the designated individuals and entities are blocked, while foreign financial institutions engaging with them could face secondary sanctions.

(With inputs from agencies)

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