BOSTON
A Massachusetts man was convicted Monday for attempting to illegally export electronic components to Iran, violating U.S. sanctions.
Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi, who was employed by Analog Devices, allegedly assisted an Iranian business associate in circumventing American export control laws. Prosecutors stated that this associate’s company in Tehran manufactures navigation systems for Iran’s military drone program. A front company was reportedly established in Switzerland as part of the operation.
The second defendant, Mohammad Abedininajafabadi, known as Abedini in court documents, was not part of this trial. He is currently believed to be in Iran following a prisoner exchange for an Italian journalist.
Sadeghi faced five charges and was found guilty on three. He showed no apparent reaction to the verdict, which was delivered early on the fourth day of jury deliberations. He and his attorneys declined to comment as they exited the court. Sadeghi will remain free pending sentencing on October 13.
At 43, Sadeghi is a naturalized U.S. citizen and a father of two who lost his job due to the indictment. His arrest came in December 2024, preceding the current conflict with Iran, but the trial has coincided with ongoing hostilities.
“This case is straightforward. You cannot send goods, especially the ones in this case, to Iran. Period,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea Porter emphasized to the jury. “The defendant was aware and conspired with Mr. Abedini to continue.”
In his closing statements, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Dolan argued that various documents, messages, and photos showcased Sadeghi’s involvement with Abedini’s illegal activities.
“The evidence shows he knew what Abedini was doing because he communicated it. Yet, he assisted him anyway,” Dolan claimed.
Sadeghi’s defense attorney, William Fick, contended that the prosecution’s narrative lacked coherence and was filled with gaps. He argued that Sadeghi was merely giving advice to a long-time acquaintance on business matters and had no direct role in obtaining parts for Abedini.
Fick questioned the claims that parts were sent to Iran or that the Swiss company acted as a front.
“If you look through dirty glasses, everything appears dirty,” Fick argued. “That’s essentially what the prosecution is asking you to do.”
Moreover, Fick highlighted the lack of evidence proving that Sadeghi benefited from the alleged scheme. Yet, prosecutors noted they didn’t need to provide a motive to secure a conviction.
“He had nothing to gain and everything to lose,” Fick stated, mentioning Sadeghi’s long-standing reputation as a respected employee.
Initially, prosecutors sought to present evidence concerning an Iranian drone involved in a 2024 attack that led to the deaths of three U.S. troops in Jordan.
However, defense lawyers challenged the inclusion of such evidence, especially related to Abedini’s alleged engagement in drone production or attacks against American forces. The judge ruled that only general information regarding Abedini’s company and its possible military applications could be presented. During a pre-trial session, prosecutors admitted they lacked evidence proving that Sadeghi was aware the technology he allegedly exported was connected to the drone used in the attack.
Both Sadeghi and Abedini face charges concerning export control violations. Abedini also faces separate accusations of conspiring to support a foreign terrorist organization tied to the deaths of U.S. personnel.
Arrested in Italy on a U.S. warrant in December 2024, Abedini was released after a month and returned to Iran. Shortly after his apprehension, Italian journalist Cecilia Sala was detained in Iran, believed to be held as leverage for Abedini’s release. Sala returned home in January 2025.
