US authorities arrest Iranian American Shamim Mafi at Los Angeles airport, charging her with illegally brokering arms including drones and ammunition for Iran.

As the Iran war shows no signs of easing, authorities in the United States have reportedly arrested an Iranian-American woman over alleged involvement in illegal arms deals. The arrest took place at Los Angeles International Airport on Saturday night, according to reports.

Who is Shamim Mafi?

The woman has been identified as Shamim Mafi, aged 44. She is a permanent US resident of Iranian origin. She has been charged by the US Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California for carrying out arms transactions without proper legal approval.

Prosecutors allege that Mafi was involved in brokering deals on behalf of the Iranian government. These deals are said to have included armed drones, bomb fuses and ammunition.

According to the charges, the weapons were intended for use in Sudan’s ongoing civil war, which began in 2023.

Use of front company

Investigators claim that Mafi used a front company registered in Oman, named Atlas International Business, to carry out these transactions. The alleged activities continued as recently as 2025, according to prosecutors.

Among the transactions highlighted is a contract worth more than $70 million for Mohajer-6 armed drones. These drones are military-grade unmanned aircraft linked to Iran’s defence establishment.

Prosecutors also said that around 55,000 bomb fuses were moved through the same network to Sudan’s Ministry of Defence.

The Mohajer-6 drone system has been used in several conflict zones in recent years, including fighting between Sudanese forces and paramilitary groups.

Links to Iranian authorities

Court filings suggest that phone records show Mafi was in direct contact with Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security between December 2022 and June 2025. However, Mafi has told investigators that she was never instructed by Tehran to carry out activities in the United States.

Mafi left Iran in 2013 and became a permanent US resident in 2016.

Prosecutors claim that in 2020, Iranian authorities seized properties she had inherited from her father. After this, Iran’s intelligence agency allegedly asked her to set up a business in the US.

The stated purpose was to buy back those properties, with Tehran offering to fund the business.

According to prosecutors, Mafi told Iranian intelligence contacts that she believed she was more useful to them operating outside Iran rather than within the country.

The arrest comes at a time when diplomatic efforts are continuing between the US and Iran.

Los Angeles International Airport

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving as a major gateway for international travel to and from the United States. Originally opened in 1928 as Mines Field, it was transformed into a municipal airport in 1930 and has since undergone numerous expansions, including the iconic Theme Building, which opened in 1961. Today, LAX is known for its distinctive architecture and its role as a key hub for connecting the Pacific Rim to North America.

Iran

Iran, historically known as Persia, is a country in West Asia with a rich cultural heritage spanning over 2,500 years, including the ancient Achaemenid Empire. Its notable sites include the ruins of Persepolis, the grand capital of the Achaemenid dynasty, and the stunning mosques and gardens of Isfahan, reflecting Islamic architecture. Despite modern political changes, Iran remains a guardian of deep traditions in poetry, art, and philosophy.

Sudan

Sudan is a country in northeastern Africa with a rich and complex history, home to more pyramids than Egypt, built by the ancient Kingdom of Kush. Its cultural heritage spans from the powerful Nubian civilizations and the medieval Christian kingdoms to the Ottoman and British colonial periods. Today, sites like the pyramids of Meroë and the old town of Suakin reflect this layered past, though the nation has also faced significant modern challenges, including civil conflict.

Oman

Oman is a country on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, known for its rich maritime history and ancient trade routes. Historically a major hub for frankincense and seafaring, it was once home to the powerful Omani Empire, which controlled territories in East Africa and the Persian Gulf. Today, Oman blends its heritage with modern development, featuring landmarks like the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the historic forts of Nizwa.

Mohajer-6

The Mohajer-6 is an Iranian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. First unveiled in 2017, it is a medium-altitude, long-endurance drone primarily used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and combat missions. The aircraft has been deployed in various regional conflicts, including in Syria and Iraq, and represents a key advancement in Iran’s domestic drone technology.

Sudan’s Ministry of Defence

Sudan’s Ministry of Defence is a key government building located in Khartoum, responsible for overseeing the country’s military affairs. Historically, it has been a focal point during periods of political upheaval, including the 2019 Sudanese revolution, when it was the site of major protests and a subsequent massacre. The building stands as a symbol of the military’s significant role in Sudan’s governance and conflicts.

Tehran

Tehran, the capital of Iran, has a relatively recent history compared to other ancient Persian cities, rising to prominence in the late 18th century when it was chosen as the capital by the Qajar dynasty. It rapidly transformed from a small village into a major metropolis, becoming the political and cultural heart of the country. Today, Tehran is a sprawling, modern city that blends historic sites like the Golestan Palace with contemporary museums, bustling bazaars, and a vibrant urban life.

United States

The United States is a large, diverse country in North America, founded in 1776 after the thirteen American colonies declared independence from Great Britain. Its history includes westward expansion, industrialization, and significant social movements, such as the Civil Rights Movement. Today, the U.S. is a global cultural and economic leader, known for landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Grand Canyon.