U.S. freezes assets of 5 Iranian firms involved with WMD development |
Written by World Tribune | |
Wednesday, 13 August 2008 | |
WASHINGTON — The United States has sanctioned five Iranian firms said to be helping in the assembly of an atomic bomb and ballistic missiles. "These five nuclear and missile entities have been used by Iran to hide its illicit conduct and further its dangerous nuclear ambitions," Treasury Undersecretary Stuart Levey said. Officials said Nuclear Research Center for Agriculture and Medicine as well as Jabber Ibn Hayan have been working for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. AEOI, responsible for Iran's nuclear program, including uranium enrichment, came under U.S. sanctions in 2005. In an Aug. 12 statement, Treasury said Nuclear Research Center for Agriculture and Medicine develops nuclear fuel and participates in uranium enrichment. The center's facility at Karaj, operating since 2005, was said to be capable of producing most of the uranium compounds needed for fuel cycle activities. Jabber Ibn Hayan was said to be involved in nuclear research and development. Officials said Jabber also provided laboratory services for AEOI's nuclear production division. The remaining Iranian companies were said to be involved in Teheran's ballistic missile development program. Treasury said Safety Equipment Procurement was ordered to use front companies to acquire foreign technology and raw material for Iran's Shihab-3 intermediate-range ballistic missile. Joza was identified as a front company ordered to purchase material for Iran's missile industry. Officials said Iran's Shahid Hemmat Industrial Group has employed a series of fronts to procure sensitive goods from European firms. http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/WTARC/2008/me_iran0427_08_13.asp |