By Rafael Jonah
October 29, 2026
Iran has reportedly established an extensive network of more than 5,000 military-linked agencies to import equipment and materials essential to its missile and drone programmes despite Western sanctions and a United States naval blockade.
An independent investigation published on Thursday revealed that the network, linked to Iran’s Ministry of Defence, has facilitated the importation of billions of dollars’ worth of military and dual-use goods through international supply chains.
According to the investigation, the agencies operate through a complex system involving foreign intermediaries, front companies and financial arrangements designed to sustain procurement despite restrictions on Iranian trade.
It has been reported that the network has imported at least $2 billion worth of military-related and dual-use goods since January 2025.
The shipments reportedly included explosives, detonators, chemicals used in rocket fuel, titanium, precision machinery, aircraft components and hundreds of heavy-duty trucks that could potentially be adapted for military purposes.
One agency, identified as MOD 346428, was linked to approximately $2.3 billion in imports between January 2025 and June 2026.
The investigation found that shipments originated from several countries, including China, Russia, Germany, other European nations and the United Arab Emirates.
However, the countries of origin do not necessarily establish that their governments authorised the shipments or knew the goods’ intended final use.
The report found that approximately 97 per cent of the transactions it examined were settled without conventional cross-border currency transfers.
The findings suggest that Iran has relied on alternative financial arrangements, including proceeds from oil sales, to maintain access to foreign supplies.
Despite military strikes and restrictions on maritime trade, deliveries reportedly continued reaching Iran by land, sea and air during the conflict.
Security analysts cited in the investigation said the procurement network could help Iran replenish equipment and materials needed to maintain its missile and drone capabilities.
The network was also linked to military organisations, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and entities associated with drone production.
No evidence showed that the numbered agencies themselves had been directly sanctioned by Western governments.
The findings raise questions about the effectiveness of existing sanctions and export controls in restricting Iran’s access to materials with potential military applications.
The investigation comes amid continued tensions between Iran and the United States following months of military confrontation and efforts to restrict Tehran’s weapons production capabilities.
While the investigation documents extensive procurement activity, the precise quantities of imported materials ultimately incorporated into operational weapons remain unclear.
