TEHRAN: A Reuters investigation found that an Iranian military-linked agency imported $2.3 billion in goods between January 2025 and June 2026, exposing a network of more than 5,000 entities.
The agency, known as MOD 346428, bought explosives, rocket fuel ingredients, weapons parts and heavy-duty trucks. Reuters traced the shipments through customs files, shipping records and Iranian bank documents.
Weapons experts said many of the goods could support Iran’s missile and drone programmes. However, some materials also have civilian uses.
The agencies share an address in Tehran with Iran’s Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL). Most began operating in 2013, although official records give their founding date as February 11, 1979.
Reuters worked with risk consultancy 240 Analytics to trace the network. The investigation linked the agencies to overseas middlemen and companies that bought goods for Iran’s military.
Financial records showed that 97% of the shipments reviewed involved payments without international money transfers. Instead, intermediaries used money held abroad to buy equipment.
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This reduced the need for direct cross-border payments. Investigators also found that the numbered agencies did not appear individually on Western sanctions lists.
MOD 346428 imported 435 Iveco trucks during the period examined. Records also showed $7.6 million in Russian detonator shipments since January 2025, including a $1.9 million delivery in June.
Other purchases included titanium, chemicals and factory machinery. The goods came from China, Russia and European countries. They reached Iran by sea, road and air.
Meanwhile, the network supplied Sahara Thunder, a company the United States sanctioned in 2024 over its role in Iran’s drone programme. Former US Treasury official Miad Maleki described the system as a lifeline for Iran’s military trade.
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China’s Foreign Ministry said it knew nothing about the reported arrangements and rejected attempts to link Beijing to regional fighting.
Italian truckmaker Iveco said it could not control vehicles sold by unrelated third parties. Toyota also denied involvement in the reported purchases.
Iranian government bodies contacted by Reuters did not respond.
The US Treasury, however, said Washington continued to target efforts to evade sanctions and fund Iranian weapons programmes.
