This annotated chronology is based on the data sources that follow each entry. Public sources often provide conflicting information on classified military programs. In some cases we are unable to resolve these discrepancies, in others we have deliberately refrained from doing so to highlight the potential influence of false or misleading information as it appeared over time. In many cases, we are unable to independently verify claims. Hence in reviewing this chronology, readers should take into account the credibility of the sources employed here.

Inclusion in this chronology does not necessarily indicate that a particular development is of direct or indirect proliferation significance. Some entries provide international or domestic context for technological development and national policymaking. Moreover, some entries may refer to developments with positive consequences for nonproliferation.

6 January 2002
Former Iranian President and current head of the influential Expediency Council, Ali Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani, addresses a ceremony commemorating outstanding Iranian soldiers and proclaims, “Iran was not and would not try to acquire unconventional weapons.” He added, “Iran never wanted to confront its opponents with nuclear or chemical bombs.”
—“Vision of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Network 1 (Tehran), 6 January 2002, in “TV Program Summary”; FBIS, Document IAP20020106000072, 6 January 2002.

9 January 2002
Speaking to IRNA, former Iranian president Ali Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani is quoted as saying: “Although Iran today is one of the leading arms makers in the world, it has never been after non-conventional weapons and will never do so.” Rafsanjani further states: “Iran has never thought of, and will never think of, using nuclear, chemical or biological weapons against another nation.”
—Anwar Iqbal, “Iran Seeks Weapons of Mass Destruction,” United Press International, 9 January 2002.

Note: These statements of 6 and 9 January are likely a response to the latest CIA report released to the U.S. Congress this week titled “Unclassified Report to Congress on the Acquisition of Technology Relating to Weapons of Mass Destruction and Advanced Conventional Munitions, 1 January Through 30 June 2001” (see above).

24 January 2002
The Bush administration imposes sanctions on several Chinese firms allegedly for selling CBW components to Iran. According to a U.S. State Department statement: “The penalties were imposed for the transfer to Iran since January 1, 1999 of sensitive equipment and technology controlled by the Australia Group.” One unnamed U.S. intelligence official reportedly told the Washington Times that in April 2001, U.S. intelligence tracked one of the Chinese shipments of chemical-related goods as it made its way to Iran. The three firms penalized by the sanctions are Liyang Chemical Equipment, the China Machinery and Electric Equipment Import and Export Company, as well as Mr. Q.C. Chen. One of those firms produces glass-lined equipment; however, the reports did not mention if such equipment was transferred to Iran. The State Department statement goes on to say that “Q.C. Chen is already subject to U.S. sanctions....These sanctions currently remain in place.” The statement continues by claiming that the activities of Q.C. Chen and other Chinese entities have been brought to the attention of the Chinese government on numerous occasions, and that the Chinese government was informed in advance of the decision to place further sanctions on Mr. Chen and others.
—US Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, “Nonproliferation Sanctions Imposed on Chinese Entities,” 25 January 2002, <http://usinfo.state.gov/topical/pol/arms/02012503.htm>; US Department of State, “Public Notice 3893,” Federal Register, 24 January 2002, vol. 67, no. 16, p. 3528; Bill Gertz, “US Hits China with Sanctions over Arms Sales,” Washington Times, 25 January 2002; “US Slaps New Sanctions on Chinese Firms,” Middle East Newsline, 27 January 2002.

29 January 2002
In his first State of the Union address, U.S. President George W. Bush calls Iran, Iraq, and North Korea an “axis of evil” and accuses them of supporting terrorism and seeking chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons that could threaten the United States.
—President George W. Bush, “State of the Union Address,” Office of the Press Secretary, 29 January 2002, <http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/01/
20020129-11.html>.

30 January 2002
Iran rejects statements made by U.S. President Bush in his State of the Union address, denouncing them as “arrogant” and as a desire for hegemony. Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi states, “We, besides rejecting American accusations, believe that the world will not tolerate US hegemonic ambitions and believe Mr. Bush would do better by presenting proof of his accusation.…The Islamic Republic of Iran considers these remarks as interference in its internal affairs.” Mr. Kharrazi believes that “Bush is intending to divert public opinion from the Middle East issues by raising up a new subject and thereby pave [sic] the ground for the United States to continue support for Israel in suppressing the Palestinian nation.” Kharrazi added, “[t]he American president had better back up his assertions with evidence instead of repeating old and unfounded claims.”
—“Kharrazi Rejects Bush’s ‘Arrogant Statements on Iran,” IRNA, 30 January 2002; “Iran, Iraq, North Korea Dismiss Bush Accusations,” New York Times, 30 January 2002.

3 February 2002
Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi, in a letter to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, rebuts allegations made by U.S. President Bush during his State of the Union Address. Kharrazi notes, “Iran does not seek weapons of mass destruction and, unlike the U.S. ally in this region, is a party to the NPT, CWC, and BWC and has signed the CTBT. As the only victim of weapons of mass destruction in the last generation, Iranian people have felt the horror of these weapons and are determined to ensure that no people will have to go through the same agony.…It must be underlined that, unlike the United States, weapons of mass destruction have no place in Iran’s defense doctrine. Iran is fully committed to observing all relevant international instruments on prohibition of such weapons, and its compliance has been repeatedly verified by the relevant international organizations. At the same time, Iran insists and vigorously pursues its inalienable right to develop its nuclear, chemical, and biological industries for peaceful purposes. This right is guaranteed in all relevant international instruments, and the deliberate campaign by the United States to arbitrarily deprive Iran of this right is a further violation of these regimes.” Kharrazi further states that he believes that the Bush administration seeks to weaken these regimes, so that it remains “unhindered not only in developing and proliferating such weapons but more dangerously in leveling self-serving accusations against others.”
—Dr. Kamal Kharrazi, “Press Release,” Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the UN, 4 February 2002.

12 February 2002
U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, in testimony before the US Senate Budget Committee, tries to explain President Bush’s “axis of evil” statement with regard to Iran. Secretary Powell states that although the United States is wary of Iran’s continued efforts to develop WMD and the means to deliver them, “[w]e want the best for the people of Iran,” and “we have offered the Iranians dialogue.” Powell states further that the United States is looking for peace, not war, but “you don’t find peace by sticking your head in the sand and ignoring evil where it exists.”
—Secretary of State Colin L. Powell, testimony at Budget Hearing Before the Senate Budget Committee, 12 February 2002, <http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2002/7957pf.htm>.

16 February 2002
Iran successfully tests a new version of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the Muajar-4, which has the potential to deliver CBW. The test was attended by Iranian Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani.
—“Iran Presents New Military UAV,” Middle East Newsline, 18 February 2002.
 
26 February 2002
U.S. Deputy Defense Undersecretary Lisa Bronson names Iran as one of several states that continue to pursue BW. She states: “Countries like Iraq, Iran, North Korea, Libya, and Syria have consciously over the last seven to ten years gone ahead and been developing biological weapons. They have it, and we can’t turn a blind eye to the fact that they have it.” Bronson further charges that these states are rapidly developing indigenous biological warfare capabilities, taking advantage of acquired dual-use technology.
—“Mideast States Invest Heavily in Bio-Weapons,” Middle East Newsline, 26 February 2002.

26 February 2002
U.S. Middle East analyst Michael Rubin urges the Bush administration to target Iran in its war on terrorism in order to counter its missile and WMD programs. Rubin, an adjunct fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, briefed the American Jewish Committee on the failure of the U.S. policy of engagement toward Iran, arguing for President Bush to take a much tougher line against the Islamic Republic. Rubin states: “The United States must be firmer in the face of hostile regimes. There will not be a significant anti-American backlash should the United States work actively to counter threats posed by terrorism and weapons proliferation.”
—Michael Rubin, “Iran and the Palestinian War Against Israel: Implications of the Karine-A Affair,” American Jewish Committee Middle East Backgrounder, 26 February 2002, <http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/media/rubin/rubin-implications.htm>; “Bush Urged to Target Iran,” Middle East Newsline, 7 March 2002.

9 March 2002
A classified US DOD report detailing the U.S. Nuclear Posture Review is leaked to the press. The report, presented to Congress on 8 January 2002, allegedly calls for the military to prepare contingency plans to use nuclear weapons against a potential target list of seven states, including Iran. The weapons would ostensibly be deployed in retaliation for a nuclear, biological, or chemical attack emanating from one of the aforementioned countries. While the US government is criticized for placing such a high importance on nuclear weapons in its strategic doctrine, the Bush administration counters that the new nuclear posture seeks to limit the chances of nuclear weapon use by enhancing and reinforcing the US nuclear deterrent.
—Paul Richter, “US Works Up Plan for Using Nuclear Arms,” Los Angeles Times, 9 March 2002; David G. Savage, “Nuclear Plan Meant to Deter,” Los Angeles Times, 11 March 2002.

10 March 2002
Iran condemns the leaked DOD nuclear posture report immediately. Former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani claims that the United States is hoping to intimidate other states. He states, “[t]he intimidating atmosphere created by the United States influences countries’ security. In this atmosphere adventurers will be encouraged to create planned insecurity in the countries.”
—Roula Khalaf and Robert Cottrell, “Syria, Libya Broaden the ‘Axis of Evil,’” Financial Times, 11 March 2002, p. 3.

19 March 2002
In testimony before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research Carl Ford states that Iran has “continued to seek considerable dual-use biotechnical materials, equipment, and expertise from abroad—primarily from entities in Russia and Western Europe—ostensibly for civilian uses. We believe that this equipment and know-how could be applied to Iran’s BW program. Iran probably began its offensive BW program during the Iran-Iraq war, and likely has evolved beyond agent research and development to the capability to produce small quantities of agent. Iran may have some limited capability to weaponize BW.”
—US Department of State, “State Official Details Threat of Chemical, Biological Weapons; Says CBW Pose Difficult Intelligence Problem,” 19 March 2002, <http://uninfo.state.gov/regional/nea/sasia/text/
0319ford.htm>.

16 April 2002
US Assistant Secretary of State for Nonproliferation Issues John Wolf states that Iran is developing its WMD and missile programs with help from North Korea, China, and Russia. He also reports that the United States is working to prevent Russian scientists assisting in the research and development efforts of CBW programs in countries like Iran.
—US Department of State, “Real ‘Axis of Evil’ Exists, State Official Says,” International Information Program, 16 April 2002, <http://usinfo.state.gov.topical/pol/arms/02041601.htm>.

17 April 2002
An Israeli report asserts that the United States claims that Iran has begun an effort to sell missiles and equipment necessary for producing CBW to its allies throughout the Middle East and North Africa.
—“Missile Rogues Seek to Become WMD Exporters,” Middle East Newsline, 17 April 2002.

Note: It appears that the information is attributed to the briefing given by US Assistant Secretary of State for Nonproliferation John Wolf to members of the media on 16 April 2002. However, Wolf did not refer to Iran, or any other country, marketing CBW components or other material to third countries. The Middle East Newsline only cites “US officials” as the source of the information. However, because the article devotes a significant amount of time to the briefing given by Wolf, the reader is led to believe the information came from Wolf.

6 May 2002
In an address before the Heritage Foundation, Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security John Bolton states that Iran has a BW program that “began during the Iran-Iraq war and accelerated after Tehran learned how far along Saddam Hussein had progressed in his own program. The Iranians have all of the necessary pharmaceutical expertise, as well as the commercial infrastructure needed to produce—and hide—a biological warfare program. The United States believes Iran probably has produced and weaponized BW agents in violation of the Convention.” Bolton continues by charging that Cuba “has provided dual-use biotechnology to other rogue states.” Although he does not explicitly say Iran is one of those states, he does mention a visit to Iran by Castro in 2001. Bolton then refers to a statement he attributes to Castro, while he was speaking at Tehran University: “Iran and Cuba, in cooperation with each other, can bring America to its knees.”
—John Bolton, “Beyond the Axis of Evil: Additional Threats from Weapons of Mass Destruction,” Heritage Foundation Lecture, 6 May 2002.

10 May 2002
In a response to the accusations made by Under Secretary of State Bolton, Cuban President Fidel Castro challenges the United States to “produce even the tiniest piece of evidence” to support its claims. Castro says that “if a Cuban scientist from any of our biotechnology institutes had been cooperating with any country in the development of biological weapons, or if he or she had tried to create them on his or her initiative, he or she would be immediately presented in a court of justice as we would consider it an act of treason to the country.” Castro continues by referring to Cuba’s Law against Terrorist Acts, which prohibits anyone from having anything to do with CBW. Those who do will face a minimum of 10 years in jail or a maximum of capital punishment. Castro denies ever saying anything remotely close to the statement Bolton attributes to him. He maintains that he has “all the tapes and the transcription” of the speeches he made while in Iran, and that he can prove he never made that statement. Castro also defends Iran by saying that “not one of the many leaders I talked to said anything to me about biological weapons or any other kind of weapon.”

[Note: Whether or not Castro made the statement is in doubt. On 10 May 2001, Agence France Presse (AFP) quoted Castro as saying, “Iran and Cuba, in cooperation with each other, can bring America to its knees. The US regime is very weak, and we are witnessing this weakness from close up.” This is the only source quoting Castro as making that statement. In a FBIS translated text of the Spanish-version AFP, the Iranian Ayatollah Khamenei states, “The United States is more vulnerable than ever, so that is why cooperation between the two countries can contribute to sink that oppressing country.” Later, Castro comments, “The US government is weak and we can see it up close. I can assure you all that we are not afraid of that country.” Castro then added, “The people and governments of Cuba and Iran can send the United States to its knees.” In a FBIS translated text of the IRNA press digest for 10 May 2001, IRNA cites a Kayhan International headline titled, “Cuba, Iran could bring US to its knees.”]

The Iran Press Service stated on 10 May 2001 that “the decision to bring down and defeat the United States was taken during a meeting, Wednesday, in Tehran, between the 74-year-old Lider Maximo of Communist Cuba and the 76-year-old leader of the Islamic Republic Ayatollah Ali Khamenehe’i. He (Castro) once again agreed with Ayatollah Khameneh’i on the point that Iran and Cuba can hand in hand defeat America, the official Iranian news agency IRNA quoted the Cuban leader, after he was assured by his host that Iran and Cuba can achieve the goal, ‘hand in hand’.”

Nelson P. Valdes, the director of the University of New Mexico’s Program of Academic Research on Cuba, asserts that Castro never made a statement remotely close to the one attributed to him by Mr. Bolton: “I have secured all the transcripts of all the public statements made by the Cuban leader while visiting Iran, and there is nothing that midly [sic] resembles that alleged quote.” Valdes states that with the exception of AFP, “none of the wire services represented in Iran at the time carried such a statement from Fidel Castro. Although I have contacted AFP they have not provided evidence that the quote was accurate, nor do we know yet the identity of the person who wrote the story.”
—Fidel Castro, “Response From Dr. Fidel Castro Ruz, President of the Republic of Cuba, to the Statements Made by the United States Government on Biological Weapons,” Information Office, Cuban Interests Section, 10 May 2002; “Iran and Cuba Bolster Ties, Strengthen Anti-USSolidarity,” Agence France Presse, 10 May 2001; “Castro, Ayatollah Khameni Suggest Cuban-Iranian Cooperation to ‘Sink’ United States,” Agence France Presse (Paris), 9 May 2002; FBIS, Document LAP20010509000084, 9 May 2001; “Press Digest,” IRNA (Tehran), 10 May 2001; “IRNA Carries ‘Press Digest’ for 10 May Tehran Dailies,” FBIS, Document IAP20010510000015, 10 May 2001; “Cuba and Iran to Fight Jointly the United States,” Iran Press Service, 10 May 2001, <www.iran-press-service.com/articles_2001/may_2001
/iran_cuba_castro_10501.htm>; Nelson P. Valdes, “The Problems of an Under Secretary of State: Fidel Castro, Bioterrorism, and the Ellusive Quote,” Counterpunch, 28 May 2002, <www.counterpunch.org/valdes0528.html>.

13 May 2002
Unnamed Western diplomatic sources claim that some US officials are holding secret talks with the Iranians, but that the Bush administration is divided over its Iran policy. Some cabinet-level officials desire to see improved relations with Iran and cite as evidence of Iran’s potential its recent intelligence assistance to the United States since 11 September. However, other officials state that Iran’s “strategic weapons programs” are cause for concern and have priority as far as US policy is concerned.
—“Evidence Grows of Secret US-Iran Talks,” Middle East Newsline, 13 May 2002.

13 May 2002
The European Union’s General Affairs Council states on 13 May 2002: “The Council noted that broad agreement existed on the substance and objectives of the overall approach for developing relations with Iran, as well as commercial matters these should include a serious dialogue on questions such as terrorism, proliferation, and regional stability. It accordingly instructed the Permanent Representatives Committee to examine all the relevant elements put forward in the debate so that the General Affairs Council is in a position to take a decision at its June session.”
—General Affairs Council Statement, “Relations with Iran,” European Union External Relations, 13 May 2002, <http://europa.eu.int/comm/external_relations/iran/
intro/gac.htm>.

14 May 2002
It is reported that the European Union (EU) delayed acting on the Trade and Cooperation Agreement with Iran yesterday, “amid disagreements within the EU over how to confront Iran’s missile and weapons of mass destruction programs.”
—“Iranian WMD Expected to be Marginal in Summit,” Middle East Newsline, 14 May 2002.

15 May 2002
An Israeli report states, “Cuba has been marketing biological weapons components and technology to Middle East clients.” Unnamed US officials are cited as the source of information that US intelligence is monitoring ongoing discussions between Libya, Iran, and Cuba for the exchange or transfer of biotechnology for their BW programs. The officials claim Cuba is violating the BWC by offering Iran and Libya dual-use BW-related knowledge and equipment. One US intelligence source is quoted as saying, “it’s not clear what Cuba has gotten out of this relationship [with Iran]. It is clear that Iran has obtained a considerable amount of weapons technology. In many cases, Russia has used Cuba as a front for technology that Moscow cannot transfer.”
—“Cuba Markets WMD Technology to Iran, Libya,” Middle East Newsline, 15 May 2002.

15 May 2002
In an interview with the Boston Globe, José de la Fuente, the former Director of Research and Development at Cuba’s Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, states that Cuba sold biotechnology that could be used to create BW to Iran in the late 1990s. De la Fuente particularly emphasized that the sale of recombinant materials used to make a hepatitis vaccine could instead be used for BW: “Once the technologies are transferred, the country that bought the technology could do with them that what they want.”
—Michael Kranish, “Biotechnology; Incubating Biotech Cuba Becomes Biotech Hotbed,” Boston Globe, 15 May 2002.

16 May 2002
The Federal Register announces today that two Armenian, two Moldovan, and eight Chinese entities have been sanctioned under the Iran Nonproliferation Act of 2002, for transferring equipment and/or technology controlled by multilateral export control regimes. The companies sanctioned are Lizen Open Joint Stock Company and Armen Sargsian of Armenia; Liyang Chemical Equipment Company; Zibo Chemical Equipment Plant; China National Machinery and Electric Equipment Import and Export Company; Wha Cheong Tai Company; China Shipbuilding Trading Company; China Precision Machinery Import/Export Corporation; China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation; Mr. Q.C. Chen of China; and Cuanta SA and Mikhail Pavlovich Vladov of Moldova. Liyang Chemical and Q.C. Chen were both previously sanctioned on 24 January 2002 as well.
—US Department of State, “Public Notice 4020,” Federal Register, 16 May 2002, vol. 67, no. 95, pp. 34983-34984.

17 May 2002
Armen Sarkisyan, former owner of Lysine, an Armenian firm recently sanctioned by the US government for providing WMD technology to Iran, sold large steel tanks to a neighboring country in 2000. These tanks were originally used to cultivate strains of microbes to produce lysine, but they could also by used to produce BW-related microbes.
—“Armenian Ex-Premier’s Brother Sold Blacklisted Firm’s Equipment to ‘Neighboring Country,’” BBC Monitoring Service, 17 May 2002; in Financial Times, 17 May 2002.

17 May 2002
China claims in a Foreign Ministry statement that it has not transferred WMD-related equipment to Iran: “The Chinese government has consistently advocated comprehensively banning and utterly destroying all weapons of mass destruction and is thus opposed to the proliferation of such weapons. China has strictly carried out its international obligations, drawn up a series of relevant laws and regulations and strictly controlled exports of relevant materials. China expresses its opposition and dissatisfaction with the United States’ unreasonable actions.”
—“China Denounces US Sanctions as ‘Unreasonable,’” Tehran Times, 18 May 2002.

20 May 2002
In an article primarily concerning the 16 May 2002 sanctions placed on Armenian, Moldovan, and Chinese entities, the Middle East Newsline cites unnamed U.S. officials as stating that Q.C. Chen and “the Chinese firms are believed [to be] involved in a project to weaponize Iranian Shihab-3 intermediate-range missiles with chemical and biological components.”
—“US Lists Firms Selling WMD to Iran,” Middle East Newsline, 20 May 2002.

21 May 2002
Iranian Ambassador to Cuba Seyed D. Salehi says in a press conference today that the US allegations of the nature of Cuban biotechnology transfers to Iran are false. Instead of using these transfers for nefarious purposes, he argues, Iran uses them for lifesaving purposes, such as the production of hepatitis vaccines. Salehi states that since a 1998 technology-transfer agreement with Cuba, Iran has been able to vaccinate a large percentage of its children from hepatitis. Iran and Cuba will also cooperate on treating AIDS, cancer, and on developing medicine for countering heart attacks, poor blood circulation, and kidney problems. Explaining that Iran chose to work with Cuba because it, like Iran, is a member of the Group of 77 developing countries Salehi says: “I fully reject the allegations made by State Undersecretary John Bolton”.
—“Iran Denies Cuba Gave it Germ War Aid,” Baltimore Sun, 22 May 2002.

10 June 2002
A high-ranking Cuban diplomat in Iran says that Cuba and Iran plan to further increase their biotechnological cooperation. Jorje Hadad, first secretary of the Cuban Embassy in Tehran, says that mutual cooperation could raise health standards in both countries, and that it could lead the two countries to establish factories to produce medicine.
—“Iran, Cuba to Cooperate in Biotechnology,” IRNA, 10 June 2002; FBIS, document IAP20020610000113, 10 June 2002.

17 June 2002
The General Affairs Council (GAC) of the European Union announces today that it will move forward with a Trade and Cooperation Agreement with Iran. There were suggestions in May that the decision had been delayed due to concerns over Iran’s WMD programs. However, today’s statement by the GAC only mildly mentioned WMD by stating: “Regarding non-proliferation, the EU encourages Iran to sign, ratify, and fully implement relevant international instruments.”
—General Affairs Council Statement, “Relations with Iran,” European Union External Relations, 13 May 2002, <http://europa.eu.int/comm/external_relations/iran/
intro/gac.htm>.

18 June 2002
During a question-and-answer session today at the US State Department’s Noon Briefing, spokesman Richard Boucher answers a question regarding the US stance on the EU’s decision to further ties with Iran: “We have maintained an ongoing discussion and dialogue with the European Union about policy towards Iran. This is a subject of frequent discussion. We have also made quite clear in this discussion our concerns, our grave concerns about Iranian behavior. That includes Iran’s support for international terrorism, Iran’s opposition to the Middle East peace process, its pursuit of weapons of mass destruction and the means to deliver them through ballistic missile development, and Iran’s human rights record.”
—Richard Boucher, “Daily Press Briefing Index,” US Department of State, 18 June 2002, <http://usinfo.state.gov.regional/nea/sasia/text/
0618state.htm.>

6 July 2002
A US State Department official speaking today in Yerevan, Armenia, says that two years ago, the company Lysine sold Iran biological fermenting tanks that could aid Iran in producing BW.
—“US ‘Trusts its Source’ on Armenian Arms Supplies to Iran,” Arminfo (Yerevan), 6 July 2002; FBIS, Document CEP20020706000068, 6 July 2002.

19 July 2002
US State Department spokesman Richard Boucher says that ten entities will be sanctioned under the Iran-Iraq Arms Nonproliferation Act of 1992 and/or the Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act of 1991.”
—“State Department Noon Briefing Transcript,” US Department of State, 19 July 2002, <http://uninfo.state.gov/topical/pol/terror/02071903.htm>.

19 July 2002
Eight of the companies are Chinese state-owned firms, according to US State Department officials speaking to the Washington Times on conditions of anonymity. The officials say that some companies have sold Iran advanced conventional weaponry while others have sold CBW equipment.
—Bill Gertz, “US Penalizes 8 Chinese Firms,” Washington Times, 19 July 2002.

22 July 2002
It is reported that unnamed US officials stated that eight of the companies to be sanctioned are Chinese state-owned entities. The officials allegedly claimed that the companies involved were helping Iran weaponize chemical warheads, but there was no mention of BW.
—“US Imposes Sanctions on WMD Suppliers to Iran,” Middle East Newsline, 22 July 2002.

22 July 2002
John Bolton writes a letter to US Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart, expanding on his charges that Cuba has a covert BW program and aides to other states, including Iran, in BW production. Mr. Bolton states in the letter that he cannot prove the accusations beyond doubt, but that the charges are based on US intelligence sources and reports from Cuban expatriates.
—Tom Carter, “State Suspects Cuba of Biological-War Program, Washington Times, 24 July 2002.

23 July 2002
In an opinion editorial to the Washington Times, US Congressmen Christopher Cox and Lincoln Diaz-Balart charge that Cuba is working with Ayatollah Khamenei of Iran to “undermine America.” They then accuse Cuba of having an offensive BW program and of selling biotechnology to “rogue states.”
—Christopher Cox and Lincoln Diaz-Balart, “Crack Down on Castro,” Washington Times, 23 July 2002.

24 July 2002
The US government imposes sanctions on eight Chinese companies, one Chinese individual, and one Indian individual for allegedly helping Iran and Iraq purchase advanced conventional weapons and to develop WMD programs, specifically CW. No mention was made specifically of BW. The companies and individuals sanctioned under both the Iran-Iraq Arms Nonproliferation Act of 1992 and the Arms Export Control Act and the Export Control Act of 1979 as amended by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act of 1991 are, Jiangsu Yongli Chemicals and Technology Import and Export Corporation; China Machinery and Equipment Import Export Corporation; China National Machinery and Equipment Import Export Corporation; CMEC Machinery and Electric Equipment Import Export Company; CMEC Machinery and Electrical Import Export Company; China Machinery and Electric Equipment Import Export Company; and Wha Cheong Tai Company. The Chinese individual sanctioned is Q.C. Chen, who has been repeatedly sanctioned since 1997. The entities sanctioned only under the Iran-Iraq Nonproliferation Act of 1992 include China Shipbuilding Trading Company and Indian national Hans Raj Shiv. —US Department of State, “US Sanctions Chinese and Indian Entities for Proliferation Violations,” Office of the Spokesman, Richard Boucher, 24 July 2002, <http://uninfo.state.gov/regional/ea/uschina/chinawep.htm>.

25 July 2002
Reportedly all but two of the companies sanctioned yesterday were caught selling advanced conventional goods to Iran, such as high-speed catamaran missile boats and anti-ship cruise missiles, and not CBW components. The other two cases allegedly involved BW-related goods.
—Bill Gertz, “Firms in Arms Sales to Iran Identified,” Washington Times, 26 July 2002.

29 July 2002
In a press conference with the Iranian Foreign Minister, EU Foreign Policy chief Javier Solana states that, even with the recent decision by the EU to widen trade and cooperation with Iran, “EU-Iran relations can never reach their full potential if we do not eliminate problems that hamper such a positive development.…One [of these problems] is nonproliferation/acquisition of weapons of mass destruction.”
—Dr. Javier Solana, “Statement at the Press Conference with Foreign Minister Kharrazi,” European Union Foreign and Security Policy, 29 July 2002, <http://ue.eu.int.pressdata/EN/declarations/71663.pdf>.

29 July 2002
In testimony before Congress today, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Marshall Billingslea states that “both Iran and Syria themselves have robust chemical warfare programs and both are exploring biological weapons. Both countries can deliver these weapons by a variety of means, via short-range missile systems such as Scuds or by artillery shells, and Iran is making strides in developing the Shahab-3 medium-range missile and longer-range systems.” Billingslea also comments that Iran is able to violate its “obligations under treaties such as the Biological Weapons Convention with relative impunity.”
—“Hearing of the International Security, Proliferation and Federal Services Subcommittee of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee,” Federal News Service, 29 July 2002.

November 2002
CBS News reports that it has uncovered documents that show that Wouter Basson had been in contact with Iran. Basson had previously headed South Africa’s germ warfare program called “Project Coast” during the 1980s.
—“US Doctor Linked to S. Africa Biological and Chemical Weapons Program: CBS,” Agence France Presse, 4 November 2002.

12 November 2002
Talks on strengthening the global ban on biological weapons falter due to objections from the non-aligned group, which includes Iran. The group reportedly is upset because they feel the United States is dictating to them what they are going to do, instead of negotiating.
—“Talks on Global Bio-weapons ban Falter,” Agence France Presse, 12 November 2002.

7 April 2003
In response to an article appearing in the Madrid daily El Pais, the Iranian embassy in Madrid issues a statement denying that non-conventional arms such as chemical or biological weapons are part of the Iranian defense establishment.
—“Iranian Embassy Denies Spanish Press Report on Iranian WMD Program,” 7 April 2003, available from FBIS, document identification number IAP20030407000071.

10 April 2003
The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency submits its Unclassified Report to Congress on the Acquisition of Technology Relating to Weapons of Mass Destruction and Advanced Conventional Munitions, 1 January Through 30 June 2002. Regarding Iran, the report states: Even though Iran is part of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), Tehran probably maintains an offensive BW program. Foreign dual-use biotechnical materials, equipment, and expertise – primarily, but not exclusively, from Eastern Europe – continued to feature prominently in Iran’s procurement efforts. While such materials do have legitimate uses, Iran’s biological warfare (BW) program also could benefit from them. It is likely that Iran has capabilities to produce small quantities of BW agents, but has a limited ability to weaponize them.”
—Unclassified Report to Congress on the Acquisition of Technology Relating to Weapons of Mass Destruction and Advanced Conventional Munitions, 1 January Through 30 June 2002, (Washington, DC: Office of the Director of Central Intelligence, 2003), p. 3. <http://www.cia.gov/cia/reports/
721_reports/pdfs/
721report_jan-june2002.pdf>.

15 May 2003
The National Council of Iranian Resistance, an Iranian opposition group, states that Iran is developing plague and cholera. The group also states that Iran has developed anthrax bacteria and now has the means to weaponize the agents.
—“Iranian Dissident Groups Claims Tehran has Biological Weapons,” Agence France Presse, 15 May 2003.

16 May 2003
The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), an Iranian opposition group, states that Iran is manufacturing biological weapons. Representatives of the NCRI make this claim in London at a session of the House of Commons. The representatives claim the Iran is currently producing anthrax smallpox and plague. They name individuals working on the weapons. Also the group states that program is run at a number of sites, including two universities and a hospital and Iran is trying to increase its biological scientists from 3,000 to 11,000 by sending academics abroad to learn Western biological and chemical skills. The group states that it received the information from another Iranian opposition group, the People’s Mojahideen of Iran (PMOI).
—“Spender, Tom “Focus Now on Iran,” UK Newsquest Regional Press, 21 May 2003.

16 May 2003
Iran denies the allegations of the National Council of Iranian Resistance that it is producing biological weapons. A senior Iranian government officials says that Iran “strongly deny that we have biological weapons because we do not need any banned weapons.” The official also states that the opposition group is making such allegations because of US pressure on them.
—“Iran Says it has no Biological Weapons,” Al-Bawaba, 16 May 2003.

29 May 2003
The First Conference on [the] Campaign Against Bioterrorism is held in Tehran. The conference which is a joint project of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) and the infectious diseases department of the Tehran Medical Science University examines the health risks posed by bioterrorism and attempts to develop an action plan for use by relief workers in the event of a bioterror event. Over 300 IRCS relief instructors attend the event along with IRCS managers and students from the university. —“Iran Red Crescent Holds First Conference on Campaign Against Bioterrorism,” 29 May 2003, FBIS document IAP20030529000082, .

17 September 2003
Testifying before the US-Israeli Joint Parliamentary Committee which is conducting a hearing into Iranian WMD and Support of Terrorism, U.S. Assistant Secretary for Verification and Compliance Paula DeSutter says “Iran probably has produced some BW agents and may have some limited capability for biological weapons deployment. Iran continues to seek dual-use materials, equipment, and expertise to assist these programs. This program is embedded within Iran’s extensive biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry so as to obscure its activities … [I]n addition to its efforts to develop weapons of mass destruction, Iran continues its extensive efforts.
—The CBW Conventions Bulletin, No. 62 (December 2003), p. 38.

30 October 2003
In London, US Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security John R. Bolton delivers a speech to a meeting of the Bruges Group. Bolton makes several references to Iran’s efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction and states that Iran “has robust BW, CW and missile programs.” His speech includes a number of references to the adverse consequences for rogue states of continuing proliferation efforts.
—“The New World after Iraq: The Continuing Threat of Weapons of Mass Destruction,” Remarks by U.S. Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security John R. Bolton to the Bruges Group, 30 October 2003, <http://www.state.gov/t/us/rm/25752.htm>.

4 November 2003
Turkish Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul says that Iran’s conventional armament and its possible pursuit of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons continued to be a risk for the security of region.
—BBC Monitoring Service, 4 November 2003,
<http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

10 November 2003
The US Central Intelligence Agency submits its Unclassified Report to Congress on the Acquisition of Technology Relating to Weapons of Mass Destruction and Advanced Conventional Munitions, for 1 January Through 30 June 2003 in accordance with S.721 of the FY1997 Intelligence Authorization Act. In respect to Iran, the report states that until June 2003, “Iran continued to vigorously pursue indigenous programs to produce WMD … manufactured. Even though Iran is part of the [BWC], Tehran probably maintained an offensive BW program. Iran continued to seek dual-use biotechnical materials, equipment, and expertise. While such materials had legitimate uses, Iran’s biological warfare (BW) program also could have benefited from them. It is likely that Iran has capabilities to produce small quantities of BW agents, but has a limited ability to weaponize them.”
—Unclassified Report to Congress on the Acquisition of Technology Relating to Weapons of Mass Destruction and Advanced Conventional Munitions, (Washington, DC: Office of the Director of Central Intelligence, 2003), p. 3. <http://www.cia.gov/cia/reports/721_reports/
pdfs/jan_jun2003.pdf >.

2 December 2003
Speaking at a conference organized by the Institute for Foreign Policy analysis and the Fletcher School’s International Security Studies Program, US Undersecretary for Arms Control and International Security John R. Bolton issues a warning to Iran and a number of other states. Bolton says: “[r]ogue states such as Iran, North Korea, Syria, Libya and Cuba, whose pursuit of weapons of mass destruction makes them hostile to US interests, will learn that their covert programs will not escape detection or consequences.” He goes on to highlight the U.S. actions in Iraq and indicates that the U.S. will interdict or seize shipments of items that it considers breach nonproliferation norms.
—John R. Bolton, Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, Remarks to the Conference of the Institute for Foreign Policy Analysis and the Fletcher School’s International Security Studies Program Nuclear Weapons and Rogue States: Challenge and Response, <http://www.state.gov/t/us/rm/26786.htm>; “Washington warns five countries over weapons of mass destruction,” Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 3 December 2003.

	Updated April 2005