Iran is continuing to use front companies, financial transactions and concealed shipping methods to circumvent sanctions but the bans have succeeded in slowing its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, according to a UN report obtained Tuesday by The Associated Press.
The expert panel said sanctions have made it harder, costlier and riskier for Iran to acquire items needed for its banned nuclear and missile activities.
"At the same time, Iran’s circumvention of sanctions across all areas, in particular the use of front companies, concealment methods in shipping, financial transactions and the transfer of conventional arms and related materiel is willful," the panel said. "Iran maintains its uranium enrichment and heavy water related activities … and in the area of ballistic missiles, continues to test missiles and engage in prohibited procurement."
The UN Security Council imposed a fourth round of sanctions against Iran in June for refusing to suspend uranium enrichment and start negotiations with the U.S., Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany on its suspect nuclear program. The eight-member panel was appointed in November to monitor implementation of the sanctions.
Security Council diplomats said the report could be made public as early as Thursday.
The report recommends that the council impose sanctions on two individuals and two trading companies involved in Iran’s illegal shipment of conventional weapons.
It said most violations of the conventional arms ban involve Syria.
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