Four foreign nationals were charged with transporting suspected Iranian-made weapons that were intercepted by the US Navy aboard a vessel in the Arabian Sea last month.
During the Navy’s intervention, two Navy SEALs died while attempting to board the vessel.
The weapons found included components for ballistic and cruise missiles, which officials said were consistent with those used by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in attacks.
“Today’s complaint sends a message that acting as a proxy for the IRGC in an effort to bring harm to U.S. persons overseas will not be tolerated by the U.S. Government,” Assistant Director of the FBI Washington Field Director David Sundberg said.
“Transporting explosive materials intended to be used to threaten and cause harm is yet another example of the IRGC’s disruptive and hostile actions,” he added.
“The FBI and our U.S. Government partners will continue to disrupt efforts by hostile foreign governments seeking to intimidate and cause harm through violence,” he said.
When the Navy searched the vessel, they discovered advanced conventional weapons and components, including some for medium range ballistic missiles and anti-ship cruise missiles.
Four individuals were subsequently charged, with one facing additional charges for intentionally transporting a warhead, while the others were charged with providing false information to the Coast Guard.
The arrests were intended to send a message to Iran about transporting weapons to harm US persons.
