US cracks down on Iran-linked network accused of acquiring sensitive military technology

The United States on Friday announced that it is dismantling what officials described as a sophisticated Iranian procurement network that allegedly used deception and sanctions-evasion tactics to obtain sensitive military technology for Iran’s defense sector.

According to a statement from US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott, the network “impersonated and defrauded” dozens of American technology companies, causing millions of dollars in losses while securing advanced equipment for Iran.

The equipment allegedly acquired through the scheme included spectrum analyzers and security detection devices, technologies that can have military and defense applications. US officials said the network relied on fake websites designed to mimic legitimate American businesses, creating the appearance of trustworthy commercial partners.

The operation allegedly used intermediaries based in Dubai to receive shipments before rerouting the equipment to Iran, bypassing US sanctions and export controls. The State Department did not identify the American companies targeted by the scheme.

US authorities said the network was led by Iran-based Ali Majd Sepehr. Washington has accused him and his associates of orchestrating a complex procurement system aimed at securing restricted technology for Iran’s defense establishment.

The announcement comes amid broader US efforts to disrupt financial and logistical networks linked to Iran’s military institutions. On Thursday, the State Department unveiled a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to the disruption of financial mechanisms supporting Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its affiliated branches.

The crackdown also coincides with heightened diplomatic tensions between Washington and Tehran. On Friday, the White House reiterated that President Donald Trump would only agree to a deal ending the conflict with Iran if it satisfies all of his administration’s conditions, underscoring uncertainty surrounding ongoing talks between the two countries.

The developments signal a dual-track US approach that combines diplomatic engagement with intensified enforcement actions targeting Iranian military and procurement networks.