Washington sanctions Nigerian company linked to Iranian arms purchases
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Daily Post
The United States has sanctioned Vanguard Tactical Supply Limited, a company based in Nigeria, for facilitating the purchase of man-portable air-defence missiles for Iran. Washington says the company and two intermediaries used false end-users to acquire Chinese-origin systems, according to the US Department of State.
The United States has sanctioned Vanguard Tactical Supply Limited, a company based in Nigeria, for attempting to facilitate Iran's purchase of man-portable air-defence systems, according to the US Department of State. Washington also targeted Mohammed Ali Tolibov, head of Armoury Alliance, a company based in Belarus, and Alisher Domullodzhanov, based in Russia.
The three individuals or entities are accused by the United States of acting as intermediaries for the acquisition of Chinese-origin MANPADS missiles, notably QW and FN series, using false end-users. The US Department of State says the sanctions are part of "Operation Economic Outcast" and extend measures taken on 8 May, 10 June and 15 July 2026 against Iran's military supply networks.
Washington says the measures also reinforce UN restrictions restored in September 2025 and make it more difficult and costly for Tehran to access military equipment. The Trump administration said anyone helping Iran strengthen its arsenal would face sanctions.
MANPADS are lightweight, shoulder-launched guided surface-to-air missiles intended notably to target low-flying aircraft, helicopters, drones and cruise missiles. Reports of an Iranian plan to acquire hundreds of systems made in China have been disputed by Chinese officials. Russia and Iran are also negotiating transfers of S-400 systems, drone components and MANPADS to Tehran, according to the Daily Post, citing information from the Telegraph.
