The United States has imposed sanctions on two individuals and a Nigerian company accused of helping Iran acquire man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS), according to a November 4, 2026, announcement by the US Department of State.

The sanctions target Mohammed Ali Tolibov, chief executive of Belarus-based Armory Alliance; Nigeria-based Vanguard Tactical Supply Limited; and Russia-based Alisher Domullodzhanov.

Washington says the move is intended to disrupt networks helping Iran rebuild its military arsenal and to enforce United Nations restrictions on arms supplies to the country.

Alleged procurement network

The State Department alleges that the three targets were involved in efforts to procure Chinese-origin MANPADS for Iran, including through the use of false end-users.

According to the department, Armory Alliance acted as an intermediary between Chinese companies and Iran, facilitating efforts to purchase hundreds of the shoulder-fired air-defence systems. Tolibov allegedly contributed to the company's procurement activities.

Vanguard Tactical Supply was accused of helping facilitate the procurement of Chinese-origin systems through false end-users, while Domullodzhanov was accused of assisting Iran's efforts to obtain MANPADS.

Sanctions implications

The designations were made under Executive Order 13949, which targets individuals and entities involved in Iran's conventional arms activities.

The sanctions block property and financial interests belonging to the designated parties that fall within US jurisdiction. Transactions involving their property by US persons or within the United States are generally prohibited unless authorised or exempted.

The State Department said the latest measures follow similar actions taken on May 8, June 10 and July 15, 2026, as part of a sustained campaign against Iran's military procurement networks.

The department also said the action supports enforcement of the UN arms embargo on Iran, restored in September 2025, which prohibits UN member states from supplying such weapons to Iran