Channels

Nuclear facility in Iran (archives)
Photo: AFP

Dubai: Iran smuggles nuclear equipment via UAE ports

UAE ambassador to IAEA confirms reports of forbidden goods transiting Dubai to Iran

United Arab Emirates Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency Hamad al-Kaabi has confirmed reports that Iran is using Dubai ports to smuggle equipment needed for its nuclear program, but noted the steps his country had taken to clamp down on blacklisted companies.

 

This is the first official acknowledgement from the state that it is a popular transit point for smuggling.

 

The UK newspaper Telegraph last month revealed the existence of a deal made by an Iranian company with links to the nuclear program. The company bought control systems from a German electronics manufacturer via trading firms from Dubai. The UK paper reported Thursday that al-Kaabi had confirmed the previous reports.

 

Computers and control systems are among the forbidden goods reaching Iran, as well as cables and communication equipment. The goods were sold to Iran without the German producer's knowledge using fake purchasing certificates.

 

The Iranian company receiving the goods is the Kalaye Electric Company which is subject to the international sanctions regime because of its links with Iran's nuclear program. The firm is responsible for purchasing and developing the centrifuges required for enriching uranium.

 

Al-Kaabi noted that after the UN Security Council approved a fourth round of sanctions against Iran last month, Dubai authorities held a series of raids on firms with contacts in Iran's Revolutionary Guard. Dubai also froze the bank accounts of 41 Iranian companies and organizations who were on the sanctions blacklist.

 


פרסום ראשון: 07.01.10, 23:04
 new comment
Warning:
This will delete your current comment