Dismissal bid denied as 16-count indictment moves toward trial in May 2026

Huawei will still have to face trial in the US next year over alleged breaches of sanctions against Iran after a judge declined its request to dismiss various charges.

US District Judge Ann Donnelly rejected [PDF] the China-based technology giant's bid to dismiss all but three counts of the 16-count indictment against it, saying the challenge was premature "because it is not yet clear what the defendant did."

Huawei had tried to argue that specific counts should be dismissed because of a lack of evidence, that they failed to state an offense or they violated due process, but Judge Donnelly declared the company's arguments to be without merit.

The charges in part relate to historic business dealings with Iran by a Huawei partner, Skycom, but the 52-page ruling also lists allegations of conspiracy to steal trade secrets and bank fraud.

On trade secrets, the charges include several counts ...