A federal jury in Boston convicted Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi, a 43-year-old dual U.S.-Iranian national from Natick, Massachusetts, on July 15, 2026, for his role in a scheme to illegally export sensitive U.S. electronic components to Iran. The conviction followed a 14-day trial where Sadeghi was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR), along with two substantive counts of violating those laws.

Sadeghi was initially charged in December 2024 alongside Mohammad Abedininajafabadi, also known as Mohammad Abedini, of Tehran. Both were indicted by a federal grand jury, with a superseding indictment filed in December 2025. Abedini is the founder and managing director of San’at Danesh Rahpooyan Aflak Co., an Iranian company that manufactures navigation modules used in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' military drone program.

Prosecutors stated that Sadeghi helped procure U.S.-origin components such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and inertial measurement units. These components were exported through a Swiss front company to benefit Abedini’s firm. The components are reportedly used in the company's Sepehr Navigation System, which equips Iranian one-way attack drones as well as cruise and ballistic missiles.

Officials noted that Sadeghi conspired to send these sensitive microelectronic parts to Iran through a European company despite having received training on U.S. sanctions and export laws. Foley, representing the District of Massachusetts, said Sadeghi exploited his access to advanced American technology to circumvent sanctions. FBI officials in Boston and at headquarters emphasized that the case serves as a warning to others considering similar illegal activities.

The Justice Department highlighted that each violation of IEEPA and ITSR, including the conspiracy charge, carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million.

This case is part of ongoing efforts by the National Security Division to enforce sanctions against Iran, particularly concerning technology that could enhance Iran’s military capabilities.

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