US sanctions three in Belarus, Russia and Nigeria over Iranian missile procurement network

WASHINGTON, Nov. 4, 2026 - The US State Department announced sanctions against Mohammed Ali Tolibov, Alisher Domullodzhanov and Vanguard Tactical Supply Limited for their involvement in efforts to procure man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) for Iran. The measures target intermediaries operating across Belarus, Russia and Nigeria as Washington seeks to disrupt Tehran's access to advanced conventional weapons.

Tolibov, chief executive of Belarus-based Armory Alliance, allegedly helped facilitate weapons procurement on Iran's behalf. According to the State Department, Armory Alliance acted as an intermediary between Chinese companies and Iran and was involved in efforts to purchase hundreds of MANPADS. Tolibov was previously sanctioned under Executive Order 13382, while Armory Alliance was already designated under Executive Orders 13382 and 13949.

Nigeria-based Vanguard Tactical Supply Limited allegedly facilitated the procurement of Chinese-origin MANPADS through false end-users, while Russia-based Domullodzhanov was implicated in separate efforts to obtain the weapons for Iran. Vanguard had previously been designated under Executive Order 13382. The latest action subjects all three targets to sanctions under Executive Order 13949, which addresses Iran's conventional arms activities.

The designations form part of Operation Economic Outcast and follow previous US actions targeting Iranian MANPADS procurement networks on May 8, June 10 and July 15, 2026. Washington said the measures reinforce UN arms restrictions restored against Iran in September 2025, which prohibit member states from supplying covered weapons to Tehran.

Under the sanctions, property and interests in property belonging to the designated parties within US jurisdiction are blocked. The restrictions also extend to entities owned 50% or more, directly or indirectly and individually or collectively, by blocked persons. US persons are generally prohibited from conducting transactions involving the designated parties unless authorized or exempt.

The State Department said it would continue working with international partners to enforce the restored UN restrictions and disrupt procurement networks supplying Iran's military and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.