Two Iranian men, one of whom is a dual-American citizen, were charged in connection with a deadly drone attack that killed three U.S. soldiers in Jordan earlier this year. FBI specialists analyzed the drone used in the attack and were able to trace its navigation system to an Iranian company operated by one of the defendants.
The Justice Department charged Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi, 42, and Mohammad Abedini, 38, on Monday, Dec. 16, with “conspiring to export sophisticated electronic components from the United States to Iran in violation of U.S. export control and sanctions laws.”
Prosecutors said Sadeghi, a dual U.S.-Iranian national, worked at a Massachusetts-based semiconductor company. The Justice Department said he relied on parts and technology funneled into the country by his alleged co-conspirator.
Italian officials arrested Abedini in Italy, and the DOJ is seeking extradition to Massachusetts. He faces charges of conspiring to provide material support to Iran that resulted in the deaths of three American soldiers.
“Today’s arrests demonstrate that the Justice Department will hold accountable those who enable the Iranian regime to continue to target and kill Americans and undermine the national security of the United States,” Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said.
