Posted on 07/02/2013 4:49:10 AM PDT by Brad from Tennessee
LONDON — Exploiting a loophole in Western sanctions, Iran is importing a high grade of refined alumina ore from several European countries including Germany and France that Tehran could be using to make armor parts and missile components.
Western measures imposed on Iran over its disputed nuclear program have hit many sectors of its economy including steel and other metals, where it is heavily dependent on imports. Tehran says its atomic work is peaceful.
The refined ore has been excluded from European Union sanctions, but tightened U.S. sanctions that came into effect on July 1 seek to close the loophole. According to a U.S. Treasury briefing, the latest measures will cover "raw or semi-finished metals" that include aluminum.
"After July 1, new sanctions will blacklist metals trade with Iran including aluminum, coal, steel, gold, silver and platinum amongst others, and should include alumina," said Mark Dubowitz, who has advised President Barack Obama's administration and U.S. lawmakers on sanctions.
Experts and traders say the high price paid of $700-$1,000 a metric ton (1.1023 tons) and relatively low amounts involved indicated the exports were most likely high purity chemical grade alumina.
Mark Gorwitz, previously with the U.S. Department of Defense and now a consultant specializing in nuclear and missile-related technologies, says Iran is able to manufacture weapons grade ceramic composites using chemical alumina. . .
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
Headline is extremely misleading. At first glance it appears the Frogs and Krauts are sending URANIUM ore to Iran.
Good to see the Mossad has infiltrated Reuters. Well played. Mazel Tov! Well played!
And of course after the spying we did on Germany and France they are going to get right on it and stop sending material to Iran.
How’s that trade pact working out for you, Obama?
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