U.S.: Iranian shipper aids nuclear program

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- The U.S. Treasury Department has accused Iran's national shipping company of being a "proliferator," saying it aids the country's nuclear and missile programs.

The designation of the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines and 18 related companies means that the company cannot carry on financial transactions with U.S. banks or carry food and medical supplies to Iran, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Adam Szubin, director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control, called the company "the shipper of choice for Iran's missile entity." He said the U.S. goal is to "raise the cost" to Iran of continuing to defy calls to abandon its nuclear weapons development.

U.S. officials accuse the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines of providing false documentation to disguise its activities from foreign customs officials.