US sanctions Nigeria-based entity over Iran missile procurement

The United States has sanctioned a Nigeria-based entity, Vanguard Tactical Supply Limited, for trying to facilitate Iran's efforts to procure man-portable air-defense systems, MANPADS. The government also imposed sanctions on Mohammed Ali Tolibov (CEO of Belarus-based Armoury Alliance) and Alisher Domullodzhanov (based in Russia). The US linked the trio to the acquisition of Chinese-origin MANPADS, such as QW and FN series missiles, with the company and individuals acting as intermediaries using false end-users. The Department of State said the sanctions, consistent with Operation Economic Outcast, are the latest in a series of US actions against Iran’s arms purchasing networks. The actio...