A dual U.S.-Iranian citizen, Gholam Reza Goodarzi, also known as Ron Goodarzi, has been arrested for allegedly smuggling sensitive U.S. technology to Iran.
The 76-year-old, who lives in Porter, Texas, was apprehended on August 30 at George Bush International Airport, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Goodarzi appeared in court on September 3 in the Southern District of Texas, facing serious charges for his actions.
Goodarzi is accused of unlawfully exporting components for manned aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Iran, a country under strict U.S. sanctions. These sanctions prohibit the export of certain technologies and equipment to Iran. Despite this, Goodarzi allegedly continued to send these components from the U.S. to Iran, concealing them in his luggage during his travels.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the DOJ’s National Security Division stated, “For years, the defendant allegedly used proxy destinations to try to smuggle UAV components and other controlled technology to Iran, even concealing controlled items in his own luggage.”
Prosecutors revealed that between December 2020 and July 2024, Goodarzi exported U.S.-made parts used in manned and unmanned aircraft, along with components for oil and drilling machinery. He reportedly purchased these items from U.S.-based suppliers and transported them through Dubai, UAE, to Iran.
According to the DOJ, Goodarzi was aware of the U.S. sanctions in place. He even acknowledged in emails to his customers that the parts they wanted could not be directly shipped to Iran due to these restrictions.
Authorities say Goodarzi frequently traveled to Iran, carrying the prohibited components hidden in his checked luggage. On several occasions, U.S. officials found airplane parts, electrical motors, and generators concealed within his clothing. These actions violated the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which control the export of military and defense-related products. ITAR violations carry severe penalties, as these regulations are meant to protect national security by preventing sensitive technologies from reaching hostile or sanctioned countries.
The U.S. sanctions on Iran date back to 1979, following the Iran hostage crisis, when Iranian revolutionaries took over the U.S. embassy in Tehran and held diplomats hostage for 444 days. Since then, additional sanctions have been imposed by the U.S. Department of State in response to various offenses attributed to the Iranian government.
These sanctions prevent the export of military-related technology and other sensitive equipment to Iran without proper licensing, which Goodarzi did not have.
If convicted, Goodarzi could face up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The DOJ emphasized the seriousness of his actions, which involved smuggling controlled technology to a sanctioned country, undermining U.S. laws designed to protect national security.