U.N.: Iran seeks to skirt nuke sanctions

UNITED NATIONS, May 12 (UPI) -- A United Nations report concluded that international trade sanctions were slowing Iran's development of nuclear power and missile technology.

The report delivered recently to the Security Council cautioned that Iran was actively looking for ways to get around the sanctions and continue with the programs that some nations fear are aimed at development of nuclear weapons.

"Iran's circumvention of sanctions across all areas, in particular front companies, concealment methods in shipping, financial transactions and the transfer of conventional arms and related materiel, is willful and continuing," the report said.

Iran has maintained its nuclear program is intended for peaceful electricity production.

The Washington Post said Thursday the 79-page report recommended the freezing of assets belonging to two Iranian nationals and a Tehran company. The proposal marked the first time the U.N. called for sanctions against individuals.

The report also said Iran was active in the illicit trade of conventional arms, including deals with its close ally Syria and possibly the Taliban.