Multiple outlets report on a Reuters investigation that describes a secret network of Iranian military-related agencies used to import military supplies while bypassing Western sanctions and a US naval blockade. The reports say the network has operated globally and has been used to obtain items including explosives and heavy-duty trucks.
Across the coverage, Reuters is the primary shared source. It is described as estimating that Iran imported at least $2 billion in military-related goods since January 2025, with Iran using thousands of agencies to conceal procurement activity. One outlet adds that the supply chain includes items that could support weapons-related programs, including components and materials described as relevant to missiles.
Outlets differ in emphasis and the level of detail provided. Some foreground the idea of an “ecosystem” of military trade, while others focus on the scale of the agency network or on specific categories of goods. One report also highlights the involvement of a former US Treasury official in explaining how sanctions can be structured and why such networks can operate.
