Our Publications
Articles and Reports
September 30, 2026
In August 2026, during active hostilities and a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, the Treasury Department announced “Operation Economic Outcast” with the aim of closing “every financial resource” that supports the Iranian state. A framework of laws and executive orders establishes the means the Department uses to pursue its sanctions campaign.
Weapon Program Background Report
August 21, 2026
Iran has a large and varied unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) arsenal, which it has frequently used in combat. The table below contains open-source information about the capabilities of drone models that Iran can use to carry out or enable strikes beyond its borders.
Policy Briefs
June 30, 2026
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the United States and Iran is the clearest sign yet that the Trump administration felt it needed an off ramp for the war it launched alongside Israel in late February. The United States has settled for a set of terms that provide Iran with an economic windfall while demanding little in return.
Articles and Reports
May 29, 2026
An email solicitation accidentally sent to Iran Watch provides evidence indicating that a China-based family of companies is attempting to sell Shahed-136 drone engines to Iranian customers.
Iranian Entities
Drone
An Iran-based company that produces the engines used in Shahed-131 and Shahed-136 UAVs developed by Shahed Aviation Industries for the IRGC Aerospace Force.
Drone, Nuclear, Missile, Chemical, Biological, Military
Iranian military force created following the Islamic Revolution in 1979; involved in planning and support for terrorist acts; has provided support for WMD programs; has operational control over Iran's ballistic missile program.
Suppliers
Drone, Missile, Military
A China-based supplier of high-temperature fabrics and textiles; sought to supply carbon fiber to Pishgam Electronic Safeh Company (PESC), a company that has procured unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) components for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force Self-Sufficiency Jihad Organization (IRGC ASF SSJO).
Drone, Missile, Military
Executive director and legal representative of Hitex Insulation Ningbo Company Limited; manages Hitex Insulation Ningbo Company's finances, purchases, and sales.