A Massachusetts man, Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi, was found guilty on Monday of conspiring to unlawfully export electronic components to Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions. The 43-year-old, a naturalized U.S. citizen and former employee of Analog Devices, was accused of helping an Iranian business associate circumvent American export control laws. Prosecutors allege the associate's Tehran-based company supplies navigation systems for Iran's Revolutionary Guard's military drone program. The scheme reportedly involved a front company in Switzerland.
Sadeghi was convicted on three of five charges, including conspiracy to export technology to Iran. He was acquitted on two counts related to violations of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Sentencing is scheduled for October 13. The second defendant, Mohammad Abedini, was not on trial and is believed to be in Iran after an apparent prisoner exchange for an Italian journalist.
Prosecutors presented evidence including documents, text messages, and photos to support their case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea Porter emphasized that the defendant knew the exports were illegal. Sadeghi's defense argued he had no motive to risk his career and life in the U.S. by breaking the law. The trial occurred amid ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, though the charges predate the current conflict.
Sadeghi, a father of two, lost his job at Analog Devices following his arrest in December 2024. The judge barred prosecutors from introducing evidence about a January 2024 attack in Jordan, where an Iran-backed militant used a drone with technology similar to that involved in the case, to avoid prejudicing the jury.