US Judge Grants Bail to Iranian Engineer Accused in 2024 Drone Attack on Jordanian Base

A US federal judge authorized the release on bail of Mehdi Sadeghi, an engineer of Iranian origin, days before his trial on charges related to a drone attack on a US military base in Jordan carried out by Iran-backed militants in 2024.

Sadeghi faces accusations of "conspiring to unlawfully acquire technology used in the navigation system of Iranian military drones," according to Reuters.

Federal Judge Indira Talwani ordered Sadeghi's release on Friday under a $500,000 secured bond, imposing strict house arrest and requiring an electronic monitoring device to be attached to his ankle.

Previously, Judge Talwani had denied bail for Sadeghi, who holds both American and Iranian citizenship, citing concerns that he might flee to avoid prosecution.

Prosecutors stated that the navigation system in question was used in a drone that targeted a US site in Jordan called "Tower 22," near the Syrian border, in an attack that occurred in January 2024, resulting in the deaths of three soldiers and injuries to 47 others.

On Thursday, Judge Talwani noted that circumstances had changed since Sadeghi's arrest in December 2024. She referenced the US-Israeli war against Iran, which began at the end of February, stating that the conflict made it "less likely" for Sadeghi and his family to return to Iran and that it would be difficult for him to do so. She described the situation as "a completely different political world."

The judge also mentioned that Sadeghi's wife expressed a desire for the family to remain in the United States, where they reside in Natick, Massachusetts. This situation could be jeopardized if Sadeghi fled instead of contesting the charges.

Sadeghi has pleaded not guilty to charges of participating in a scheme to violate US export control and sanctions laws by illegally procuring technology on behalf of Iranian businessman Mohammad Abedini’s company. The company reportedly served clients including the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and manufactured a navigation system used in Iranian "Shahed" drones.

Washington denies Tehran's allegations of carrying out 21 attacks on US bases.