Iran continues to obtain electronic components with military applications through Hong Kong-based shell companies. This brief examines the application of a novel U.S. policy designed to target this pipeline to a longstanding China-based Iranian procurement network.
Iran
The Cat’s Out of the Bag: Counterproliferation Lessons from the Curious Case of Limbach Engines
Shahed drones have been the iconic symbol of arms proliferation in recent years. This report traces the history of Iran’s and, subsequently, Russia’s efforts to procure and mass-produce the German-designed engines that power Shahed suicide drones and the role played by Chinese investors in making those engines available to them.
Iran’s Atomic Archive: Lessons Learned for Export Controls and Inspections
During a pair of roundtables convened by the Wisconsin Project, experts analyzed the implications of information contained in Iran’s so-called “nuclear archive.”
Hearing on “China’s Nuclear Forces”
On June 10, 2021, Valerie Lincy appeared before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission to deliver prepared testimony at their hearing on "China's Nuclear Forces." The Commission has asked her to comment on China's role in the proliferation of missile and nuclear technologies, both as a supplier and an end user, the Chinese entities that are involved in such activities, and the extent to which these activities have affected U.S. national security interests and the global nonproliferation regime.
Major Turkish Bank Prosecuted in Unprecedented Iran Sanctions Evasion Case
The indictment of Turkish state-owned Halkbank, unsealed late last year, is the first against a major bank for sanctions violations brought by the United States.
U.S. Targets Procurement Network Supplying Machine Tools to Iran
Analysis of an export enforcement case involving export-controlled machine tools sent to Iran via the UAE.
More Eyes on More Data: Prospects for Restricting Iran’s Missile Program Using Open Sources
An expert panel hosted by the Wisconsin Project examines using open source tools to restrict Iran’s missile program.
Crackdown on Iranian Network Underscores Pattern in Illicit Procurement
A federal indictment unsealed last month provides the latest illustration of the methods used by Iranian procurement agents to illicitly procure U.S.-origin goods for export to Iran.
Illicit Procurement Network Used Firms in China, Portugal, and Turkey to Supply Iran
A recently unsealed indictment provides detail on Iran’s use of deceptive practices to procure export controlled items with military applications from the U.S. and elsewhere.
Iran Dodges FATF Countermeasures but Looming U.S. Sanctions May Achieve Similar Outcome
Iran was once again on the agenda at a plenary meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) last week in Paris. The body decided not to re-impose the severe…