Iranian companies face sanctions by U.S.

The Secretary of State on Thursday imposed sanctions on four Iranian nuclear support companies and one individual as Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferators and their Supporters pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13382, declared US Spokesperson Patrick Ventrell in the press statement on the official website of US Department of State.

These entities and individual were designated because they provide the Iranian government goods, technology, and services that increase Iran's ability to enrich uranium and/or construct a heavy water moderated research reactor, both of which are activities prohibited by UN Security Council Resolutions, noted Ventrell.

According to his words, these designations generally prohibit transactions between the named entities and any U.S. person, and freeze any assets the designees may have under U.S. jurisdiction. This action was taken in light of the ongoing concerns that the international community has with respect to Iran's nuclear program, which Iran continues to refuse to address.

The designations of these entities and individual pursuant to E.O. 13382, an executive authority that targets entities in connection with Iran's support for proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their supporters, carry consequences under the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010 (CISADA). Foreign financial institutions that facilitate significant transactions to or from the sanctioned entities and individual are exposed to potential loss of access to the U.S. financial sector. We urge financial institutions to act in a manner that preserves their access to the U.S. financial system by cutting financial ties to these companies and individual.

Iranian private sector firms should heed the risks incurred by conducting business with those who support Iran's proscribed nuclear activities and should choose to focus their activities on legitimate international commerce. The United States will continue to investigate and research similar activities, and additional companies making material contributions to the Iranian government's proliferation of weapons of mass destruction or their means of delivery will likely be designated, said Ventrell.

The Individuals and Entities Designated Today by the Department of State Pursuant to E.O. 13382 include: Aluminat (Aluminat Production and Industrial Company), Pars Amayesh Sanaat Kish, Parviz Khaki, Pishro Systems Research Company and Taghtiran Kashan Company.


/Trend/