Iran is smuggling advanced weapons system and equipment through Dubai, the Sunday Telegraph has reported. According to the report, an Iranian company associated with Iran’s nuclear program has acquired control systems from a leading Germany electronics manufacturer. The deal, negotiated with a major Dubai-based trading company, includes the transfer of a “range of electronic equipment” including computers, controllers, communication cards and cables “for use at its Nantanz uranium enrichment facility.”
Iran acquired the equipment without the knowledge of the German manufacturer. The Dubai-based intermediary used false end-user certificates for Asian companies, despite a United Nations Security Council ban on selling Iran technology that can be used for its nuclear program.
“The equipment was delivered to Kalaye Electric, an Iranian company which is also subject to sanctions because of its close association with Iran's nuclear programme. Kalaye Electric is responsible for the procurement and development of the centrifuges that are used at Natanz to enrich uranium,” the Telegraph reports.
Iran has denied accusations of smuggling and has asserted that its nuclear program is peaceful. Iranian ambassador to the UK Rasoul Movahedian said that Iran does not need to import or smuggle technical components anyway.
A senior UN source told the paper, “The Iranians are still managing to smuggle sophisticated technology through Dubai for its nuclear programme by using false certificates and unscrupulous intermediaries.” We need the Dubai authorities to be more rigorous in preventing the transfer of this equipment to Iran,” he added.
Fresh allegations of Iranian attempts to acquire banned electronic technology for its controversial nuclear program comes amid Iranian efforts to dodge a new round of UN sanctions.
