Iran has been utilizing its commercial sector as a cover for the development of ballistic missiles, aiming to evade international sanctions by using private companies as fronts for its military activities.
Sources within the Iranian regime and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have revealed that civilian companies in sectors such as oil, gas, petrochemicals, and electronic components are unknowingly contributing to Tehran's missile and drone programs. This information was gathered by individuals associated with the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran, a resistance group.
According to a report by the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), companies like Kaveh Mobadel Industrial Co., Sanaye Garma Gostar, and Sana Bargh Tavan Co. are involved in producing items used for missile and drone development. These companies not only operate under the Iranian Ministry of Defense but also have contracts with the IRGC and the regime.
Despite company executives being aware of the illicit nature of their production, workers seem to be uninformed about the true purpose of their activities. The NCRI report highlighted instances where items incompatible with the stated business operations were being manufactured, such as aluminum tanks supposedly for the dairy industry.
One specific case mentioned in the report involved Sana Bargh Tavan Co., which was found to be producing electronic boards for missiles and drones under the guise of other industrial products. The company operates within a controlled area under the IRGC's supervision.
Iran's efforts to bypass sanctions have been ongoing, with the expiration of U.N. sanctions in October 2023 allowing the country more freedom in importing/exporting missile-related technology. Despite previous sanctions slowing down Iran's missile and drone programs, the regime has continued its development.
The U.S. has identified Iran's missile program as a significant challenge to nonproliferation efforts, leading to the implementation of targeted sanctions. Recently, the U.K. and the EU imposed fresh sanctions on Iran for its support of Russia, particularly targeting its shipping industry allegedly used for transferring drones and missiles.
While Iran denies sending military equipment to Russia, the use of Iranian-made drones in Ukraine has been well-documented, showcasing the country's involvement in conflicts beyond its borders.
