U.S. authorities are investigating a French firm that might have illegally shipped pumps to Iran that could be used in Tehran’s suspected nuclear weapons program, the Washington Times reported today (see GSN, Sept. 4).

The cryogenic fluid transfer pumps could be used as part of a cooling system for Iran’s planned nuclear reactors, according to Treasury and Commerce department officials.  Technip-Coflexip might have diverted the pumps in January to Iran’s nuclear efforts, according to the Times.

“That’s the immediate concern,” a Commerce Department official said.  The export of the pumps is controlled, because of their nuclear capabilities, but the equipment can also be used to transfer liquid natural gas to commercial ship containers.

The allegations of nuclear use were made by an unidentified informant, according to the Treasury Department (Bill Gertz, Washington Times, Sept. 5).

United States Drafts Resolution

Days ahead of the International Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governors’ meeting, Washington has prepared a draft resolution alleging that Iran has violated the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.  U.S. officials have distributed the draft to some of the 35 nations on the IAEA board to gauge international reaction.

The board meeting is scheduled to begin Monday (Washington Times, Sept. 5).

“We would look for the board to take appropriate action,” said State Department spokesman Richard Boucher (Associated Press/Baltimore Sun, Sept. 5).

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