WASHINGTON — The United States has again sanctioned Iran's weapons
of mass destruction program.
The Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on three Iranian companies
cited as contributing to Iran's WMD program. The department named Kalaye
Electric Co., Kavoshyar Co. and Pioneer Energy Industries Co. and said any
U.S. assets would be frozen.
"They are either owned or controlled by the Atomic Energy Organization
of Iran or acting for or on its behalf," Treasury said on Feb. 16.
This was the second time in two months that Treasury has imposed
sanctions on Iran in connection with its WMD program. In January, the
department sanctioned Iran's Bank Sepah for financing the nuclear and
ballistic missile programs.
"Treasury is taking this action to deny Iran access to the materials and
services that support its nuclear ambitions," Treasury Undersecretary Stuart
Levey said on Feb. 16.
In 2005, the Iranian atomic energy was sanctioned by the United States.
The agency manages Iran's nuclear program and was said to report directly to
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Treasury said Kalaye was linked to Iran's centrifuge research and
development efforts. The company has also been cited in the annex to United
Nations Security Council Resolution 1737 because of its involvement in
Iran's nuclear program.
Kavoshyar's sole shareholder is the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran.
Pioneer Energy Industries Company provides services to AEOI, including
technological support, Treasury said.
