The United States has sanctioned a Nigeria-based entity, Vanguard Tactical Supply Limited, for attempting to facilitate Iran’s efforts to acquire man-portable air-defense programs, MANPADS.
The authorities additionally imposed sanctions on Mohammed Ali Tolibov (CEO of Belarus-based Armoury Alliance) and Alisher Domullodzhanov (primarily based in Russia).
The US linked the trio to the acquisition of Chinese-origin MANPADS, comparable to QW and FN sequence missiles, with the corporate and people performing as intermediaries utilizing false end-users.
The Department of State mentioned the sanctions, in step with Operation Economic Outcast, are the most recent in a sequence of US actions in opposition to Iran’s arms buying networks.
The motion follows designations on May 8, June 10, and July 15, 2026, which Washington mentioned make it more durable and extra expensive for Tehran to arm itself, and reinforce the UN restrictions restored in September 2025.
The US reiterated that Iran’s army procurement efforts threaten its nationwide safety, and reaffirmed its willpower to carry the Iranian management accountable.
“Anyone who helps the regime build its arsenal should expect to be held accountable,” the Trump administration warned.
MANPADS are light-weight, shoulder-launched, surface-to-air guided missiles designed for a soldier or a small crew to focus on and destroy low-flying plane, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles.
Reports say Iran is working to buy lots of of China-manufactured programs to strengthen low-altitude protection in opposition to drones and plane, although Chinese officers have disputed the declare.
Meanwhile, Russia and Iran are in negotiations over the switch of superior S-400 air-defense programs, in addition to drone parts, and MANPADS to Tehran.
The Telegraph reported on Friday that Iran’s National Security Council Secretary, Mohsen Rezaei, delivered the request to President Vladimir Putin throughout Thursday’s assembly within the Kremlin.
Talks lined continued Russian provides of fiber-optic drone parts and Verba MANPADS beneath a €495 million contract signed in December 2025 for 500 launchers and a couple of,500 missiles, aimed toward rebuilding Iran’s defenses.
