Judge Grants Bail to Engineer Accused of Exporting Drone Tech Amid Turmoil

An Iranian-American engineer, Mahdi Sadeghi, secured bail before his trial over allegations of conspiring to export military technology to Iran amid increased political tensions. The judge cited the ongoing conflict in Iran as a factor in easing restrictions, leading to his release under strict conditions.

An Iranian-born engineer, Mahdi Sadeghi, accused of illegally exporting technology to Iran, has been granted bail just days before his trial. Judge Indira Talwani initially denied bail due to flight risks but changed her decision, citing the escalated conflict in Iran, which began with U.S. and Israeli strikes in February.

The judge noted the ongoing war makes returning to Iran less appealing for Sadeghi and his family, currently residing in Massachusetts. Released on Friday with a $500,000 bond and a GPS ankle monitor, Sadeghi faces strict home detention. His wife insisted they remain in the U.S., influencing the judge's decision.

Sadeghi, who has pleaded not guilty, is charged with acquiring technology for the Iranian businessman Mohammad Abedini, linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps. Although the navigation system allegedly involved was used in a U.S. outpost attack, the judge barred evidence relating to this attack to prevent unfair prejudice in Sadeghi's upcoming trial on June 22.