Explore

AP News AP News
Los Angeles woman arrested on Iranian arms trafficking charge

Los Angeles woman arrested on Iranian arms trafficking charge

Federal prosecutors say a 44-year-old Los Angeles woman was arrested Saturday night at Los Angeles International Airport on suspicion of helping Iran traffic weapons to Sudan, which is in its fourth year of a bloody civil war
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Los Angeles Woman Arrested for Allegedly Aiding Iran in Weapons Trafficking to Sudan

Los Angeles Woman Arrested for Allegedly Aiding Iran in Weapons Trafficking to Sudan

A 44-year-old woman from Los Angeles, Shamim Mafi, was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport on suspicion of facilitating the trafficking of weapons from Iran to Sudan. Federal prosecutors allege that Mafi brokered the sale of drones, bombs, bomb fuses, and millions of rounds of ammunition to the Sudanese Armed Forces. Mafi, an Iranian national who became a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. in 2016, is facing serious charges and could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison if convicted. She is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
California Woman Arrested for Alleged Arms Trafficking to Africa on Behalf of Iran

California Woman Arrested for Alleged Arms Trafficking to Africa on Behalf of Iran

Shamim Mafi, a 44-year-old resident of Woodland Hills, California, was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport on charges of allegedly trafficking weapons on behalf of the Iranian government to contacts in Africa, including Sudan. According to federal prosecutors, Mafi is accused of brokering the sale of drones, bombs, bomb fuses, and millions of rounds of ammunition. The transactions were reportedly conducted through her company, Atlas International. Mafi, an Iranian national and lawful permanent U.S. resident since 2016, frequently traveled to Iran, Turkey, and Oman. The complaint against her details her involvement in facilitating a €60 million contract for the sale of Iranian-manufactured drones to Sudan’s Ministry of Defense. Mafi allegedly earned €6 million for coordinating the Sudanese delegation's travel to Iran. If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Iranian National Arrested at LAX for Attempted Arms Trafficking to Sudan

Iranian National Arrested at LAX for Attempted Arms Trafficking to Sudan

Authorities at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) have arrested Shamim Mafi, a 44-year-old Iranian national residing in Los Angeles, for attempting to smuggle arms to Sudan on behalf of the Islamic regime. According to First Assistant US Attorney for the Central District of California, Bill Essayli, Mafi was apprehended on Saturday night while trying to transport drones, bombs, bomb fuses, and millions of rounds of ammunition manufactured by Iran. Mafi, who became a lawful permanent resident of the US in 2016, has been charged with violating 50 U.S.C. § 1705. If convicted, she faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Mafi is expected to make her initial court appearance on Monday afternoon at a district court in Los Angeles. Essayli emphasized that under the US legal system, Mafi is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Los Angeles Woman Charged with Facilitating Iran's Weapon Trafficking to Sudan

Los Angeles Woman Charged with Facilitating Iran's Weapon Trafficking to Sudan

A 44-year-old woman from Los Angeles, Shamim Mafi, was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport on suspicion of aiding Iran in trafficking weapons to Sudan. Federal prosecutors allege that Mafi brokered the sale of drones, bombs, bomb fuses, and millions of rounds of ammunition to the Sudanese Armed Forces. The arrest comes amid Sudan's ongoing civil war, which has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis. Mafi, an Iranian national who became a lawful permanent resident of the United States in 2016, is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles. If convicted, she could face up to 20 years in prison.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Woodland Hills Woman Arrested for Alleged Weapons Trafficking for Iran

Woodland Hills Woman Arrested for Alleged Weapons Trafficking for Iran

Shamim Mafi, a 44-year-old woman from Woodland Hills, was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport for allegedly trafficking arms on behalf of the Iranian government. According to First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, Mafi is charged with brokering the sale of drones, bombs, bomb fuses, and millions of rounds of ammunition manufactured by Iran and sold to Sudan. Mafi, an Iranian national who became a lawful permanent resident of the United States in 2016, faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison if convicted. She is expected to make her initial appearance in U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Iranian Businesswoman Arrested at LAX for Alleged Arms Trafficking to Sudan

Iranian Businesswoman Arrested at LAX for Alleged Arms Trafficking to Sudan

Shamim Mafi, a 44-year-old Iranian businesswoman with a U.S. green card, was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport. She faces charges of brokering arms deals for the Iranian government, specifically involving drones, bombs, and ammunition intended for Sudan. According to the U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, Mafi used an Oman-registered company, Atlas International Business, to facilitate these transactions. Court records reveal that she arranged a $70 million contract for Iranian-made Mohajer-6 drones and 55,000 bomb fuses, which were transferred to the Sudanese Ministry of Defense. Mafi, who became a U.S. permanent resident in 2016, allegedly maintained contact with Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security from 2022 to 2025. Despite her claims of not being tasked by Tehran for activities in the U.S., prosecutors argue she lacked the legal authority to conduct such sales.
CNN CNN
Los Angeles woman arrested on suspicion of helping Iran send weapons to Sudan

Los Angeles woman arrested on suspicion of helping Iran send weapons to Sudan

A Los Angeles woman was arrested for allegedly brokering deals to send Iranian weapons to Sudan amid its civil war.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Iran Claims Faster Missile Replenishment Amid Tensions with US and Israel

Iran Claims Faster Missile Replenishment Amid Tensions with US and Israel

Iran has announced that it is replenishing its missile and drone launchers at a faster rate than before its conflict with the US and Israel. This claim was made by Majid Mousavi, commander of the Revolutionary Guards Aerospace Force, in a video shared on social media. The video showed Mousavi inspecting an underground missile facility, highlighting Iran's military capabilities. The announcement comes amid ongoing tensions in the region, with Israel's security establishment reportedly locating missile launchers aimed at Israel. The situation is further complicated by President Trump's recent directive prohibiting Israel from bombing Lebanon, which has surprised Israeli officials.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
US-Iran Talks Face Setbacks as Strait of Hormuz Blockade Continues

US-Iran Talks Face Setbacks as Strait of Hormuz Blockade Continues

The ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran have hit a snag as the Iranian military has reimposed a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz. This development comes after a brief period of optimism when Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi suggested the strait would be fully open, leading to a temporary drop in crude oil prices. However, the situation quickly deteriorated as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the blockade's reinstatement, citing the continued US blockade of Iranian ports. The IRGC warned that any vessel approaching the strait would be considered an enemy collaborator and targeted. This escalation follows President Trump's insistence that the US blockade will remain until a satisfactory agreement is reached with Iran. The two nations remain divided on key issues, including Iran's uranium enrichment program. The current ceasefire is set to expire in three days, with uncertainty surrounding its extension.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Iran's IRGC Challenges Foreign Minister Over Strait of Hormuz Policy

Iran's IRGC Challenges Foreign Minister Over Strait of Hormuz Policy

Tensions within Iran's government have surfaced as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) publicly criticized Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi over his statements regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Araghchi announced that the strait was open to commercial vessels following a ceasefire in Lebanon, a claim that the IRGC disputes. The IRGC's media outlet, Tasnim News, accused Araghchi of creating ambiguity and criticized his communication strategy. This internal conflict highlights the broader geopolitical tensions involving Iran, the United States, and the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for global oil shipments.
Reuters Reuters
Trump says he has 'good news' on Iran, no clarity on peace deal

Trump says he has 'good news' on Iran, no clarity on peace deal

By Trevor Hunnicutt and Ariba Shahid WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD, April 18 (Reuters) - U.S.