2 Arrested Over Alleged Illegal Exports To Iran

Two men have been arrested in connection with a deadly drone attack on U.S. troops in Jordan, exposing a chilling link between U.S. technology and Iran-backed terrorism.

At a Glance

Two individuals, including a dual Iranian-American citizen, have been arrested for allegedly exporting U.S. technology that was connected to a fatal drone strike in Jordan.
The attack killed three U.S. service members and injured 47 others at Tower 22 base in January.
Suspects charged with export violations and providing material support to Iran
U.S.-made navigation technology allegedly used in the attack was illegally exported to Iran
Arrests part of U.S. efforts to prevent sensitive technology from reaching hostile nations

Arrests Unveil Shocking Connection to Deadly Attack

U.S. authorities have made a significant breakthrough in the investigation of a January drone attack that claimed the lives of three American service members and wounded dozens more at Tower 22, a base in northeast Jordan near the Syrian border. Two men have been arrested for their alleged involvement in illegally exporting sensitive U.S. technology that was subsequently used in the deadly assault.

Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi, an Iranian-born naturalized U.S. citizen residing in Massachusetts, was apprehended in Natick. Simultaneously, Mohammad Abedininajafabadi, also known as Mohammad Abedini, was arrested in Milan, Italy. Both men face charges of conspiring to violate U.S. export laws and providing material support to Iran.

Two Charged in Connection with Iran-Backed Drone Strike that Killed 3 US Troops in the Middle East https://t.co/MHRGUWtgqn

— Military.com (@Militarydotcom) December 17, 2024

The Technology Trail

The arrests shed light on a complex scheme to circumvent U.S. sanctions and export controls. Sadeghi, an employee of Analog Devices, a Massachusetts semiconductor manufacturer, allegedly worked with Abedini to export sensitive navigation technology to Iran. Abedini, co-founder of an Iranian company called SDRA, is accused of using a Swiss front company to acquire these US technologies.

“We often cite hypothetical risk when we talk about the dangers of American technologies getting into dangerous hands. Unfortunately in this situation, we’re not speculating,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts Joshua Levy.

The FBI’s investigation revealed that the drone used in the Jordan attack contained navigation equipment traced back to Abedini’s company. This discovery establishes a direct link between the illegally exported U.S. technology and the deadly assault on American troops.

Implications for National Security

The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by U.S. authorities in preventing sensitive technologies from falling into the hands of hostile nations or terrorist groups. The prosecution is part of the U.S. government’s Disruptive Technology Strike Force initiative, aimed at safeguarding critical technologies from misuse by adversaries.

The arrests also underscore the complex nature of modern warfare and terrorism, where commercially available technologies can be repurposed for deadly attacks. This case demonstrates how seemingly innocuous components can become lethal weapons when in the wrong hands.

Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings

As the investigation continues, federal authorities are seeking Abedini’s extradition from Italy. He faces additional charges of conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization resulting in death. Sadeghi, deemed a flight risk, has been detained pending further hearings.

Analog Devices, Sadeghi’s employer, has confirmed his employment and stated they are cooperating fully with law enforcement. The company emphasized its commitment to preventing unauthorized access to and misuse of its products and technology.