According to documents reviewed by the Financial Times, the Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) gained access in late 2025 to advanced Chinese-made satellite communications equipment through a company based in the United Arab Emirates. The equipment is believed to be linked to the IRGC’s drone and communications programs.
The Financial Times reported that the deal is particularly sensitive because a company operating in the UAE supplied communications equipment to the same branch of the IRGC that had carried out missile and drone attacks against targets in the region during recent military tensions.
According to commercial contracts and shipping documents, a company called Telesan facilitated the transfer of approximately 1.8 tons of Chinese-made satellite antenna equipment from Shanghai to Iran. The shipment was transported through Dubai’s Jebel Ali port and then onward to Bandar Abbas.
The published documents state that a 4.5-meter motorized satellite antenna manufactured by the Chinese company Starwin was first shipped to Dubai aboard the Chinese vessel “Zhong Guo Yin Chuan,” after which the Iranian ship “Rama 3” took custody of it for final delivery.
An analysis of satellite imagery and navigation data indicates that the vessel “Rama 3” transmitted false location information while transporting the cargo. Nevertheless, satellite images taken on November 29 showed a vessel matching its characteristics at Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas, which was listed in the shipping documents as the shipment’s final destination.
Customs documents described the cargo as “antennas and accessories.” The recipient in Iran was identified as Ertebatat Faragostar Kish. According to contracts reviewed by the Financial Times, Telesan purchased the equipment on behalf of the Iranian company.
The United States Department of the Treasury had previously sanctioned Saman Industrial Group, alleging that it operated as a commercial front for the IRGC Aerospace Force’s Self-Sufficiency Jihad Organization. The United States stated that this network procured equipment related to Iran’s drone and missile programs through intermediary companies.
The European Union has also sanctioned the IRGC Aerospace Force’s Self-Sufficiency Jihad Organization, saying the entity played a role in supplying Iranian drones to Russia.
Another part of the report states that Blue Com Marine Services acted as the shipping representative in Iran. The company had previously been sanctioned by the United States for involvement in transporting cargo linked to Iran’s missile program.
The Financial Times also reported that the IRGC Aerospace Force has used a satellite produced by the Chinese company EarthEye to monitor U.S. military bases and infrastructure in the Persian Gulf region. The United States recently added the Chinese company to its sanctions list as well.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
