US Seeks to Dismantle Iranian Network Accused of Acquiring Sensitive Military Tech
Washington announced on Friday that it is moving to dismantle what it labeled as a sophisticated Iranian network accused of obtaining sensitive military technology, according to Al Arabiya.
US State Department Tommy Pigott said in a statement that said the network “impersonated and defrauded” dozens of American technology firms out of millions of dollars in order to acquire advanced equipment, such as spectrum analyzers and security detection devices, for Iran’s defense sector.
The statement did not identify the technology firms involved, stating that that they were drawn into doing business through fraudulent websites that “mimicked real American companies.”
The network allegedly depended on intermediaries to receive shipments before smuggling the technology into Iran in violation of US sanctions.
the State Department spokesman also clarified that this network was led by Iran-based Ali Majd Sepehr.
On Thursday, the State Department unveiled a reward of up to $15 million for information that could help disrupt the financial networks of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its several branches.
War in Iran
On February 28, the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, targeting its leadership and triggering a new conflict in the Middle East.
Iran has been responding with a retaliatory counterattack in Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi as a retaliatory move, while launching barrages of missiles and drones toward Israel.
The conflict has spread across the Middle East, leaving thousands dead, triggering unprecedented disruptions to energy supplies especially after the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump has repeatedly stressed that any deal with Tehran must include two key objectives: preventing Iran from developing or acquiring nuclear weapons and securing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
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