U.S.-Iranian National Indicted for Illegal Export of Aircraft Parts to Iran Amid Ongoing Sanctions

A U.S.-Iranian national, Jeffrey Chance Nader, has been indicted for illegally exporting American-made aircraft components to Iran, according to a U.S. Department of Justice announcement. The charges allege Nader, 66, violated U.S. economic sanctions and federal export laws by attempting to smuggle sensitive parts, including components used in military aircraft, to Iran. He was arrested in California.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen underscored the seriousness of the crime, stressing the government’s commitment to pursue those who supply critical technology to hostile nations in defiance of U.S. sanctions. The indictment details how Nader and his accomplices conspired to purchase and export nearly three dozen aircraft components, some of which are specifically designed for military jets such as the F-4 fighter used by Iran’s armed forces.

U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves further explained that the successful prevention of these exports underscores efforts to halt Iran’s military advancements, including its attacks on U.S. allies and the supply of drones to Russia for use in Ukraine.

The investigation, carried out by the FBI and the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security, revealed that Nader misrepresented himself and his company, Pro Aero Capital, to U.S.-based suppliers. He falsely claimed to be the end-user of the components, attempting to send the parts to the UAE for eventual delivery to Iran. However, the components were intercepted by U.S. authorities before they could be exported.

Iran’s Attempts to Acquire Aircraft Parts

Iran has a long-standing record of attempting to illegally acquire aircraft components to bolster its military capabilities, often circumventing international sanctions.

Over the past decade, Iran has imported more than $236 million worth of aircraft and drone engine parts from countries such as Turkey, the UAE, Germany, Ukraine, and even the U.S. This includes $26 million worth of prohibited items imported in the first eight months of the current Iranian year, beginning March 2023.

Mahan Air, an airline linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has played a key role in bypassing sanctions. It has been used to transport weapons, military gear, and IRGC personnel to conflict zones like Syria.

Additionally, in December 2023, Iran imported four decommissioned Airbus A340 airliners, previously operated by Turkish Airlines, through questionable channels. These planes, diverted to Tehran via Johannesburg, have since joined Mahan Air’s fleet, exemplifying Iran’s determination to modernize its aging aircraft despite international restrictions.

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Iran’s import of aircraft propulsion parts surged. Between March and November 2023, Iran imported more aircraft parts than in the entire previous year, with Turkey, Hong Kong, the UAE, and China among the primary suppliers.

These incidents highlight Iran’s continued efforts to enhance its military capabilities, despite international efforts to impose sanctions and restrict access to crucial technology.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, irannewsupdate.com