Irans Secret Nuclear Ambitions Not So Secret

Photo by Hamed SaberIran continues to ignore the sanctions imposed by the U.N. along with help from China in gaining illegal materials that will aid the nation in building long range missiles capable of carrying nuclear missiles.

The shipment to Iran from China of the high-tech material was intercepted by the United Arab Emirates and contained 66,000 pounds of tungsten copper used for making advanced missile guidance systems. UAE also intercepted shipments of specialized aluminum sheets that can be used to make ballistic missiles and titanium sheets that can be used in long-range missiles all heading to Iran from China.

Communications of Iranian front companies set up by the country have also been intercepted and it appears that China, was not the only country helping Iran. One focus of the inquiries is the role of Italy, including the Rome branch of Iran's Bank Sepah and Italy's Banca Intesa Sanpaolo Spa. Banca Intesa said it is cooperating in the inquiries.

The actions of the banks, companies and individuals involved are being investigated by U.S. officials. Last week, Lloyds TSB of London agreed to pay $350 million to settle U.S. sanctions-busting charges with Mr. Morgenthau's office and the Justice Department. The bank admitted it violated U.S. law but said the practice has ceased.