The United States government has placed a Nigerian company and two foreign nationals under sanctions over allegations that they attempted to help Iran acquire shoulder-launched air defence missiles.
The company, Vanguard Tactical Supply Limited, was accused of acting as an intermediary in efforts to procure man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS) for Iran. The US also designated Mohammed Ali Tolibov, chief executive officer of Belarus-based Armoury Alliance, and Alisher Domullodzhanov, who is based in Russia.
According to the US Department of State, the individuals and the Nigerian company were linked to attempts to obtain Chinese-manufactured QW and FN series missile systems. Washington alleged that the procurement network used false end-users to conceal the intended destination of the weapons and facilitate their transfer to Iran.
The department described the latest sanctions as part of its efforts under Operation Economic Outcast to disrupt Iran’s international arms procurement networks. It said the action was the latest in a series of measures designed to restrict Tehran’s ability to obtain military equipment through intermediaries.
Washington said the new designations followed similar actions taken on May 8, June 10 and July 15, 2026. According to the US government, the measures are intended to make Iran’s efforts to acquire weapons more difficult and expensive while reinforcing restrictions restored by the United Nations in September 2025.
The American government maintained that Iran’s military procurement activities posed a threat to its national security. It also pledged to hold those involved in supporting the country’s weapons acquisition efforts