Germany: Iran Continues Efforts to Purchase Dual-Use Components for Missile Production

German security agencies have warned that Iran continues to attempt to purchase dual-use components in defiance of laws and prohibitions, intending to utilize them in its missile program. Reuters reported on Wednesday, October 11, that it obtained documents from Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) indicating that this agency has warned German companies that despite the lifting of some sanctions on Iran, the sale of certain technologies to the country remains illegal. Part of the documents states: 'It is noteworthy that Iran insists on continuing its ambitious missile program, while this program and its related technologies are not subject to the lifting of sanctions.' The document also mentions that this warning was issued to German companies due to 'recent events,' but does not provide details about these events. Two days prior to this report, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel stated that Berlin is concerned about Iran's behavior in the Middle East and its missile program. However, Mr. Gabriel emphasized that Iran remains committed to the Vienna nuclear agreement. Reuters writes that the BfV has indicated that German security agencies have conducted extensive investigations to determine how far Iran has progressed in circumventing existing laws to purchase dual-use German products. This agency reported this summer that Iran has ceased efforts to purchase items related to its nuclear program but is still seeking items that could be used in its missile program. The populous and industrial state of North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany also published a report on Tuesday regarding 2016, stating that security agencies in this state encountered 32 cases last year where Iran sought to purchase equipment for weapon production, a significant decrease from over 140 cases in 2015.