BOSTON — State and federal authorities revealed Monday the arrest of two men, one residing in Natick, Massachusetts, for allegedly providing materials to support Iran’s deadly drone strike, which claimed the lives of three U.S. service members. The Department of Justice stated on Monday the charges stem from the attack on Tower 22, located within Jordan, which occurred on January 28.
The FBI announced the arrests of Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi, 42, who was detained at his home, and Mohammad Abedini, 38, who was caught by authorities in Milan, Italy. U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy confirmed both suspects have been charged with conspiracy to violate U.S. export laws intended to protect sensitive technologies.
During the January drone strike, which left three Georgia troops dead and caused injuries to over 40 others, U.S. officials attributed the assault to the Islamic Resistance of Iraq, an amalgamation of Iran-backed militias, including the infamous Kataib Hezbollah. Those killed were identified as Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, Sgt. Breonna Moffett, and Sgt. Kennedy Sanders, all of whom had been stationed at the strategically significant Tower 22. The installation held about 350 U.S. military personnel at the time and is located near the Syrian border.
According to the allegations, both men conspired to facilitate the exportation of sensitive electronic components from a semiconductor manufacturer based out of Massachusetts to Abedini’s company back in Iran. U.S. officials have indicated their investigation revealed the drone used during the attack utilized technology associated with Abedini’s firm.
“We often cite hypothetical risks when discussing the dangers of American technology reaching dangerous hands,” said U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy. “Unfortunately, we are not speculating.” This statement was underscored by Levy's insistence on the gravity of the situation and the tragic efficacy of the alleged illicit activity.
The specific drone used during the January attack had previously been linked back to technology allegedly funneled through Sadeghi to Abedini. The FBI seized parts of the drone to establish this connection, reinforcing the seriousness of the charges and their potential outcomes.
Following his arrest, Sadeghi, who is employed by Analog Devices Inc., where he allegedly mishandled sensitive information, was remanded to U.S. Marshals' custody. A company spokesperson stated, “ADI takes its compliance obligations and role in national security very seriously. We have cooperated fully with federal law enforcement and will continue to do so throughout the proceedings.”
The FBI's operation at Sadeghi’s home was reported to have caused significant local law enforcement activity, with residents expressing shock at the police presence. Natick neighbor Jon Link commented on the stressful environment, stating, “It’s concerning, it makes me want to know what's going on.” Others shared their surprise at the scale of the law enforcement operation, indicating little knowledge of the residents and their lifestyle prior to this incident.
Abedini faces additional charges for conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, leading to death. Extradition efforts are currently underway to bring him to the United States, where he will face the full weight of the legal system due to his involvement.
Levy remarked on the broader consequences of the arrests, noting the potential ramifications for U.S. national security. Both men’s links to Iran's military and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have raised flags among officials, particularly as tensions rise due to recent conflicts involving Iranian-backed forces.
The drone strike not only sparked international outrage but led to significant U.S. military responses. Post-attack, the U.S. conducted extensive counterstrikes against sites tied to Iran's Revolutionary Guard and other militias across regions within Iraq and Syria.
With such serious allegations pending, federal authorities indicate more charges may follow as investigations deepen. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the threats posed by illicit exports of technology and materials, and the significant risks faced by military personnel stationed abroad.
This incident underlines the need for stringent monitoring and compliance with U.S. export laws, emphasizing the reality of how American technologies can tragically intertwine with international conflicts.
