Iran Protests US Arrest of Nationals Over Technology Export Allegations

Tehran has lodged a formal protest over the arrests of two Iranian nationals in Italy and the United States, accused of transferring sensitive American technology to Iran. The arrests and subsequent charges have drawn sharp criticism from Iranian officials, who claim the actions violate international laws and norms.
Charges Filed Against Two Iranians
The U.S. Department of Justice announced on Monday that Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi, a dual U.S.-Iranian national, and Mohammad Abedininajafabadi, an Iranian citizen, were charged with conspiring to export sophisticated electronic components to Iran in defiance of U.S. export controls and sanctions.
According to prosecutors, the exported technology was allegedly linked to a January drone attack that resulted in the deaths of three U.S. servicemen stationed in Jordan. This claim has been strongly denied by Iran, with Tehran labeling the allegations as “baseless accusations.”
Iran’s Diplomatic Response
In response, Iran’s Foreign Ministry has condemned the arrests and sanctions imposed by the United States. Vahid Jalalzadeh, a senior foreign ministry official, told the Tasnim news agency, “We consider both the cruel and unilateral U.S. sanctions against Iran and these arrests to be contrary to all international laws and standards.”
Jalalzadeh further stated that Tehran had summoned the Italian chargé d’affaires and the Swiss ambassador, who represents U.S. interests in Iran, to formally register its protest. The ministry demanded clarification and an immediate review of the arrests, asserting that they undermine diplomatic relations and global legal principles.
Details of the Arrests
Mohammad Abedininajafabadi, 38, was apprehended in Italy on Monday by Italian authorities acting on a U.S. extradition request. Concurrently, Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi, 42, was arrested in the United States. Both individuals face serious charges under U.S. export control laws, which prohibit the transfer of sensitive technologies to Iran due to longstanding sanctions.
Alleged Connection to Drone Attack
The U.S. Department of Justice claims that the illegally exported technology facilitated the production of drones used in a January attack on a U.S. military base in Jordan. While the incident resulted in the loss of three American lives, Tehran has dismissed any connection to the event, accusing the U.S. of fabricating evidence to justify its sanctions policy.
Escalating Tensions
The arrests come amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington over sanctions, regional conflicts, and allegations of illicit technology transfers. Iran has consistently criticized U.S. policies as unilateral and unjust, while the United States maintains that sanctions and export controls are essential to curbing Iran’s influence in the region.
This latest incident is likely to exacerbate strained relations, with both sides doubling down on their narratives. Tehran’s demand for international intervention highlights its efforts to galvanize support against what it perceives as U.S. overreach.
Looking Ahead
The fate of the two arrested individuals remains uncertain as legal proceedings begin in the United States and Italy. Iran’s diplomatic protests signal its intent to challenge the charges, but it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold.
As tensions rise, the incident underscores the fragile nature of U.S.-Iran relations and the broader implications of export control violations in a geopolitically sensitive region.