In December 2024, U.S. authorities arrested Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi and Mohammad Abedini for their alleged roles in supplying sensitive technology to Iran. This technology was reportedly used in a deadly drone attack on a U.S. outpost in Jordan earlier this year, resulting in the deaths of three American soldiers.
The Arrests and Charges
Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi, a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen residing in Natick, Massachusetts, worked for a Massachusetts-based semiconductor company and was arrested in the United States. Mohammad Abedini, also known as Mohammad Abedininajafabadi, a dual Swiss-Iranian citizen and co-founder of an Iranian-based company, was apprehended in Milan, Italy, with U.S. officials seeking his extradition.
Both individuals face charges of conspiring to violate U.S. export laws by illegally exporting sensitive technology to Iran. Abedini is also charged with providing material support to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S.
Sadeghi worked for Analog Devices, which has several offices across Massachusetts.
“The governments of the Islamic Republic do have a policy of trying to use and abuse more permissive, open, western systems, societies, to be able to extract duel use or military relevant technologies for its missile, drone or even nuclear program,” said Behnam Ben Taleblu, of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies to 7News.
Analog Devices said Sadeghi has been fired from the company and issued the following statement:
“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. ADI is committed to preventing unauthorized access to and misuse of our products and technology,” the company said in a statement.
Connection to the Drone Attack
The charges relate to a drone attack on January 28, 2024, targeting Tower 22, a U.S. outpost in northeastern Jordan near the Syrian border. The attack claimed the lives of three U.S. soldiers and injured 47 others.
The soldiers who died were:
- Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, from Carrollton, Georgia, serving in the 3rd Infantry Division.
- Sgt. Breonna Moffett, from Savannah, Georgia, also with the 3rd Infantry Division.
- Sgt. Kennedy Sanders, from Waycross, Georgia, attached to the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade.
Details of the Attack
The drone attack, attributed to an Iran-backed militia, involved advanced navigation equipment traced to Abedini’s company, SDRA. Investigators believe Abedini used a Swiss front company to acquire American technologies, including accelerometers and gyroscopes, from Sadeghi’s employer. These components were then transferred to Iran for integration into drones.
On the day of the attack, the one-way drone, potentially mistaken for a returning U.S. asset, crashed into living quarters at the base, resulting in the tragic fatalities.
Mother of Soldier Killed During Attack Responds
Oneida Oliver-Sanders, the mother of fallen U.S. Army Sergeant Kennedy Sanders said she was surprised to find out Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi was living in the United States.
“It helps with building our confidence in the fact that the FBI and the United States government is very adamant about making sure that this is not swept under the rug and they won’t forget about it,” Oliver-Sanders told 7news.
“Nothing will every bring us comfort or solace about the loss of our daughter, but it does give us some confidence in our United States government that they take it seriously,” Oliver-Sanders added.
Legal Proceedings and Statements
During court proceedings, Sadeghi was denied bail as prosecutors argued he posed a flight risk. His employer, Analog Devices, confirmed its cooperation with law enforcement and reiterated its commitment to securing its products from unauthorized use.
U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy emphasized the grave risks of sensitive technologies falling into adversarial hands, highlighting the tangible consequences of the drone strike in Jordan.
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