Federal Charges Against Two Men Linked to Iran Drone Attack That Killed U.S. Troops
Two men, Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi and Mohammad Abedininajafabadi, have been charged with supplying sensitive technology to Iran linked to a fatal drone strike in Jordan, which killed three U.S. service members. The charges highlight U.S. efforts to address the illegal trade that supports terrorism and underscore the legal ramifications under U.S. laws governing commerce with Iran.
Federal authorities have charged two individuals, Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi and Mohammad Abedininajafabadi, for allegedly providing sensitive technology to Iran that facilitated a deadly drone attack in Jordan, resulting in the deaths of three U.S. service members. The U.S. Attorney’s Office revealed that the technology sourced from Abedininajafabadi’s Iranian firm was used in a drone strike that targeted a U.S. military base in January 2023. Sadeghi, a dual U.S.-Iranian national residing in Massachusetts, and Abedininajafabadi, co-founder of an Iranian company involved with military navigation systems, face severe legal consequences that include potential long prison sentences. U.S. officials have demonstrated their commitment to holding individuals accountable who support terrorism against American interests.
The charges stem from a drone attack on January 28, 2023, on a U.S. military base in Jordan that was attributed to Iranian-backed militant groups. The drone used in the attack was traced back to technologies linked to Sadeghi and Abedininajabadi’s operations. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), designated by the U.S. as a terrorist organization, is central to the narrative as the procurement of U.S. technology is believed to bolster their military capabilities. The ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, particularly in the context of legislations like the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, provide the broader framework for interpreting these charges.
The arrests of Sadeghi and Abedininajabadi underscore the U.S. government’s determination to counteract foreign terrorism and protect its military personnel. The potential legal repercussions of these charges reflect a significant enforcement of laws regarding the illegal export of sensitive technologies that could aid terrorist organizations. This case illustrates the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorism and holding individuals accountable across borders.
Original Source: www.usatoday.com
