Iran has used a network of more than 5,000 secret military agencies to import at least $2 billion worth of hardware, explosives and heavy-duty trucks since January 2025, evading US naval blockade measures and Western sanctions.

Axar.az reports, citing Reuters, that the investigation found the network had brought in missile and drone components by land, sea and air, with shipments recorded as originating in China, Russia, Germany and other countries.

One agency, MOD 346428, imported $2.3 billion worth of military equipment between January 2025 and June 2026, including rocket fuel ingredients, explosives, aircraft engine parts and hundreds of Iveco trucks that can be adapted for use as mobile missile launchers.

“What you have here is the regime's military lifeline during this conflict and for many years before,” said Miad Maleki, a former US Treasury official.

Iranian government entities did not respond to Reuters’ requests for comment. China said it was unaware of the reported activity and opposed attempts to link it to regional hostilities.