Iran hides missile, drone program under guise of commercial front to evade sanctions

Iran has resorted to using its commercial sector as a cover for its ballistic missile development, in an attempt to evade international sanctions and continue its illicit military activities. Through the use of private companies as fronts for its military dealings, Tehran is exploiting the civilian workforce to advance its missile and drone programs.

According to a report obtained by Fox News Digital from the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), companies involved in industries such as oil, gas, petrochemicals, and electronic components are unknowingly aiding Iran’s efforts to bolster its military capabilities. The NCRI has identified three companies in Iran – Kaveh Mobadel Industrial Co., Sanaye Garma Gostar, and Sana Bargh Tavan Co. – as being involved in the production of items used for missile and drone development.

The NCRI has raised concerns that these companies are not only under the control of the Iranian regime and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), but also have contracts with them. Despite executives being aware of the true nature of their businesses, the workers within these companies are reportedly kept in the dark about the dubious production demands.

One alarming finding highlighted in the report is the production of aluminum tanks supposedly for the dairy industry, a cover-up for their actual use in missile production. The Sana Bargh Tavan Co., known for producing elevator drives, was found to be manufacturing electronic boards for missiles and drones under the guise of other industrial products for the IRGC.

Iran’s efforts to evade sanctions and continue its military programs have been ongoing, even with the expiration of U.N. sanctions in October 2023. The regime has relied on its missile program to arm regional proxies like Hezbollah and develop missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Despite targeted sanctions imposed by the U.S., the U.K., and the EU, Iran continues to push forward with its military ambitions.

The recent sanctions imposed by the U.K. and the EU on Iran over its support for Russia’s war efforts have targeted Tehran’s shipping industry, which is allegedly used to transfer drones and missiles. Iran denies sending military support to Russia, but the use of Iranian-made drones in Ukraine has been well-documented.

In conclusion, Iran’s exploitation of its commercial sector for military purposes underscores the regime’s determination to advance its ballistic missile and drone programs despite international sanctions. The use of private companies as fronts for illicit military activities poses a significant challenge to efforts to curb Tehran’s aggressive military actions.