US gets new evidence on Iranian nuke intrigue

Washington, Jan.16 (ANI): American security and law-enforcement officials have reportedly gathered fresh evidence of Iran trying to evade sanctions and acquire metals from China used in high-tech weaponry, including long-range nuclear missiles.

A Wall Street Journal report said Iran's efforts are detailed in a series of recent emails and letters between Iranian companies and foreign suppliers.

According to the paper, business records show one Iranian company, ABAN Commercial and Industrial Ltd., has contracted through an intermediary for more than 30,000 kilograms (about 66,000 pounds) of tungsten copper - which can be used in missile guidance systems - from Advanced Technology and Materials Co. Ltd. of Beijing.

One March 2008 email between the firms mentions shipping 215 ingots, with more planned.

The United Arab Emirates has informed the U.S. that in September it intercepted a Chinese shipment headed to Iran of specialized aluminum sheets that can be used to make ballistic missiles.

A month earlier, UAE officials also intercepted an Iran-bound shipment of titanium sheets that can be used in long-range missiles, according to a recent letter to the U.S. Commerce Department from the UAE's Washington ambassador.

Evidence of Iran's efforts to acquire sensitive materials also is emerging from investigations by state and federal prosecutors in New York. (ANI)