WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 (UPI) -- U.S. export agencies are probing a French company's sale to Iran of four U.S.-manufactured pumps which could be used in Iran's controversial nuclear program.
The Washington Times reported Friday that Treasury and Commerce department officials suspect the pumps, described as cryogenic fluid transfer pumps, are being used as part of the cooling system for Iran's nuclear reactors, which can be used to produce weapons-grade material.
"That's the immediate concern," a Commerce Department official told the Times. Export of the pumps is controlled because of their possible military applications.
The export-control agencies are investigation whether the French firm Technip-Coflexip diverted the pumps it purchased for a project in Iran to Iran's nuclear program last January. The electric pumps are submersible and used to transfer extremely cold fluids.
The officials said another possible use for the pumps is for the transfer of liquid natural gas to ship containers for transport.
Technip spokesman Chris Welton had no immediate comment.
