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US Treasury designates corporate structures affiliated with Iran entities

WASHINGTON, Nov 30 (KUNA) -- The US Department of the Treasury announced here Tuesday the designations of five corporate officers and 10 businesses affiliated with either the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) or Bank Mellat, two entities previously designated by Treasury for supporting Iran's weapons of mass destruction (WMD) program and carrying military cargoes.
The Treasury indicated that firms designated today were Pearl Energy Company, a Malaysian-based entity owned by a subsidiary of Bank Mellat, its Director Ali Afzali, as well as Pearl Energy Services, SA, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pearl Energy Company.
Treasury also designated four top IRISL executives; and eight IRISL front companies located on the Isle of Man.
"Today's designations were taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13382, which targets for sanctions proliferators of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their supporters, thereby isolating them from the U.S. financial and commercial systems," the Treasury stressed.
In this regard, Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Stuart Levey said in a statement "as long as Iran uses front companies, cut-outs and other forms of deception to hide its illicit activities, we intend to expose this conduct and thereby counteract Iran's attempts to evade US and international sanctions." He added that "today's actions will help governments, banks and other private companies around the world ensure that they do not inadvertently facilitate Iran's proliferation and support for terrorism." Including today's action, Treasury has designated nearly 80 IRISL front companies and affiliates and has identified more than 100 ships as being the property of IRISL or its front companies and affiliates. (end) si.bs KUNA 302115 Nov 10NNNN