Full Breakdown
U.S. Engineer Convicted of Exporting Technology to Iran
7/13/2026, 9:52:58 PM
Core Conviction Details
On July 13, 2026, a federal jury in Boston found Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi guilty on three of five counts for conspiring to export electronic components to Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions. The verdict was delivered early on the fourth day of deliberations. Sadeghi, a 43-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen and former Analog Devices employee, will remain free pending sentencing scheduled for October 13, 2026. He chose not to testify and his attorneys declined to comment after the trial.
Background and Legal Context
U.S. export-control laws prohibit the transfer of certain semiconductor parts to Iran, especially when the items could support the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ drone program. Prosecutors alleged that Sadeghi assisted his longtime associate, Mohammad Abedininajafabadi (referred to as “Abedini”), in circumventing these restrictions by using a Swiss-registered firm founded by Abedini in 2019. The Swiss entity was described by the government as a front that funneled parts to Abedini’s Tehran-based company, San’at Danesh Rahpooyan Aflak Co (SDRA), which manufactures navigation systems for Iranian military drones.
The case unfolded amid heightened U.S.–Iran tensions following a January 2024 drone strike in Jordan that killed three U.S. service members. Although prosecutors sought to introduce evidence linking the exported technology to that attack, the judge barred any reference to the Jordan incident to avoid “unfair prejudice.”
Key Individuals
- Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi – Dual U.S.–Iranian engineer, former Analog Devices employee, charged with export-control violations.
- Mohammad Abedininajafabadi (Abedini) – Iranian businessman, not on trial, believed to be in Iran after a reported prisoner exchange involving Italian journalist Cecilia Sala.
- Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alathea Porter and Jared Dolan – Led the government case.
- Defense attorneys William Fick and Daniel Marx – Represented Sadeghi, arguing lack of intent and legitimate business dealings.
Legal Findings and Statistics
- Convicted on three counts: conspiracy to export technology, violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (two counts acquitted).
- No evidence presented that the exported parts reached Iran or were used in the Jordan drone attack.
- Sadeghi lost his job at Analog Devices following his arrest in December 2024.
- The Swiss company’s status as a “front” remains contested.
Official Government Position
U.S. prosecutors emphasized that the law unequivocally bars the shipment of the identified components to Iran and asserted that Sadeghi knowingly facilitated the scheme. The government highlighted text messages, photos, and documents as proof of a coordinated effort between Sadeghi and Abedini. The prosecution also noted that motive was irrelevant to the charge of conspiracy.
Defense Criticism
Sadeghi’s counsel argued that the prosecution’s narrative was “full of holes,” contending that Sadeghi merely offered informal advice to a friend and was not involved in procuring or shipping the parts. The defense disputed the characterization of the Swiss firm as a front and maintained that no tangible benefit accrued to Sadeghi from the alleged scheme.
Conflicting Evidence and Gaps
- Prosecutors admitted they lacked proof that Sadeghi knew the technology would be used in Iranian drones.
- No direct evidence was offered that the exported components actually entered Iran.
- The judge’s restriction on evidence related to the Jordan attack created a gap between the broader geopolitical context and the specific charges.
Verbatim Quotes
- “At its core, this case is straightforward. You cannot send goods, especially the goods at issue in this case, to Iran. Period. Full stop,” — Alathea Porter, Assistant U.S. Attorney
- “The evidence established that he knew what Abedini was doing because he told him in writing,” — Jared Dolan, Assistant U.S. Attorney
- “If you look at the world through dirty glasses, everything looks dirty,” — William Fick, Defense Attorney
- “to judge Mr. Sadeghi based on the evidence in this courtroom, not what is going on in the rest of the world.” — Daniel Marx, Defense Attorney
Upcoming Sentencing
U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani set Sadeghi’s sentencing for October 13, 2026. The court will determine the penalty range for the export-control violations, which could include substantial fines and possible imprisonment.
