A weapons smuggler who used a fishing boat to ship ballistic missile parts from Iran to Houthi rebels in Yemen has been sentenced to 40 years in a US prison. Pakistani national Muhammad Pahlawan was detained during a US military operation in the Arabian Sea in January 2024 - during which two US Navy Seals drowned.
Pahlawan's crew testified they had been duped into taking part, having believed they were working as fishermen. The Houthis had launched sustained missile and drone attacks on Israel, targeting international commercial shipping in support of Gazans. Iran denies arming the Houthis.
Pahlawan's smuggling operation provided a rare insight into how significant weapon systems were being transferred. Prosecutors described the arms found on board Pahlawan's boat as among the most sophisticated weapons Iran supplies.
During the trial, it was revealed that Pahlawan was paid a significant sum for his efforts, and that he had made two successful smuggling voyages before being apprehended. Onboard, he kept mainly to himself, but was aware of the risks involved, even referring to himself as a 'walking dead person' in messages to his wife.
This interception marked a pivotal moment for US forces, who unearthed a major Iranian weapons supply route. Following the case, international shipping companies began rerouting their vessels to avoid the Red Sea, a move that significantly increased transit time and costs, demonstrating the ongoing impact of this criminal operation. In court, Pahlawan's lawyer argued for leniency based on the difficulties his family faced due to his actions, but the court ultimately deemed the lengthy sentence appropriate.
Pahlawan's crew testified they had been duped into taking part, having believed they were working as fishermen. The Houthis had launched sustained missile and drone attacks on Israel, targeting international commercial shipping in support of Gazans. Iran denies arming the Houthis.
Pahlawan's smuggling operation provided a rare insight into how significant weapon systems were being transferred. Prosecutors described the arms found on board Pahlawan's boat as among the most sophisticated weapons Iran supplies.
During the trial, it was revealed that Pahlawan was paid a significant sum for his efforts, and that he had made two successful smuggling voyages before being apprehended. Onboard, he kept mainly to himself, but was aware of the risks involved, even referring to himself as a 'walking dead person' in messages to his wife.
This interception marked a pivotal moment for US forces, who unearthed a major Iranian weapons supply route. Following the case, international shipping companies began rerouting their vessels to avoid the Red Sea, a move that significantly increased transit time and costs, demonstrating the ongoing impact of this criminal operation. In court, Pahlawan's lawyer argued for leniency based on the difficulties his family faced due to his actions, but the court ultimately deemed the lengthy sentence appropriate.
