The United States has placed a Nigeria-based company, Vanguard Tactical Supply Limited, under sanctions over allegations that it attempted to assist Iran in acquiring man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS).
The sanctions also target Mohammed Ali Tolibov, chief executive officer of Belarus-based Armoury Alliance, and Alisher Domullodzhanov, who operates from Russia.
According to Washington, the company and the two individuals were involved in efforts to procure Chinese-manufactured MANPADS, including QW and FN series missiles, for Iran. They allegedly served as intermediaries and used false end-users to conceal the intended destination of the weapons.
The US Department of State described the latest designations as part of its Operation Economic Outcast, saying they represent another phase of Washington’s efforts to disrupt Iran’s international arms procurement networks.
The latest action follows similar sanctions announced on May 8, June 10 and July 15, 2026. Washington maintains that the measures are designed to make it increasingly difficult and expensive for Tehran to acquire weapons while strengthening the United Nations restrictions reinstated in September 2025.
Reaffirming its position, the US government warned that Iran’s military procurement activities pose a threat to its national security and vowed to ensure that the country’s leadership is held accountable.
“Anyone who helps the regime build its arsenal should expect to be held accountable,” the Trump administration warned.
MANPADS are portable, shoulder-fired surface-to-air guided missile systems operated by individual soldiers or small teams. They are designed to engage low-altitude aerial targets, including aircraft, helicopters, drones and cruise missiles.
Reports indicate that Iran is seeking to acquire hundreds of Chinese-made systems to improve its ability to defend against drones and aircraft operating at low altitudes. However, Chinese officials have rejected claims surrounding the alleged procurement arrangement.
Separately, Russia and Iran are reportedly negotiating the supply of advanced S-400 air-defence systems, drone components and MANPADS to Tehran.
The Telegraph reported on Friday that Iran’s National Security Council Secretary, Mohsen Rezaei, presented the request to Russian President Vladimir Putin during their meeting at the Kremlin on Thursday.
The discussions reportedly included the continued supply of Russian-made fibre-optic drone components and Verba MANPADS under a €495 million agreement signed in December 2025. The contract reportedly covers 500 launchers and 2,500 missiles intended to help Iran rebuild its air-defence capabilities.
