Our Publications
International Enforcement Actions
October 31, 2018
A recently unsealed indictment provides detail on Iran’s use of deceptive practices to procure export controlled items with military applications from the United States and elsewhere. The indictment details an elaborate, multi-year conspiracy directed by an Iranian-born Canadian to procure such items for an Iranian firm.
Policy Briefs
October 22, 2018
Iran was once again on the agenda at a plenary meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) last week in Paris. The body decided not to re-impose the severe restrictions on financial dealings with Iran that were suspended in 2016, despite U.S. efforts to build a case for such action in the weeks leading up to the meeting.
Speeches and Testimony
July 27, 2018
On July 27, the Foundation for Defense of Democracies hosted a conversation on the issue of compliance with regard to Syria and Iran, featuring remarks by Dr. Yleem D.S. Poblete, Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control, Verification and Compliance. A panel discussion followed with experts Orde Kittrie, Valerie Lincy, and Andrew J. Tabler.
Policy Briefs
July 12, 2018
On June 21, 2018, the United Nations released the fifth report by the Secretary General on the implementation of U.N. Security Council resolution 2231. The report notes for the first time that Iran may be receiving nuclear technology outside of the licit "procurement channel" established by the JCPOA and overseen by the Security Council.
International Enforcement Actions
July 11, 2018
On June 20, 2018, a federal indictment was unsealed against Saaed Valadbaigi, an Iranian businessman accused of sending U.S.-origin export controlled materials to Iran, including a high-strength aluminum alloy that can be used to make centrifuge components and materials with missile and aerospace applications.
Speeches and Testimony
May 30, 2018
On May 30, the Association of Women in International Trade (WIIT) held a panel discussion to explore developments in EU export controls and sanctions. Executive Director of Wisconsin Project on Nuclear Arms Control, Valerie Lincy, joined Dr. Andrea Viski and Shannon Barna to discuss EU sanctions and the re-imposition of U.S. sanctions on Iran.
Policy Briefs
May 18, 2018
The plight of Chinese telecom giant ZTE may have eased this week, as U.S. and Chinese officials met for high-level trade talks. On April 15, the U.S. Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security reactivated trade restrictions and re-imposed a $300 million fine against ZTE – barring the company from procuring critical U.S. components.
International Enforcement Actions
May 15, 2018
Update: On March 14, 2018, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York announced that Reza Olangian was sentenced to 25 years in prison and five years of supervised r
Articles and Reports
May 9, 2018
On May 8, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States would withdraw from the Iran nuclear accord, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The move comes over two years after the accord's implementation and follows a months-long campaign in favor of and against the accord by a number of U.S. allies.
Policy Briefs
May 4, 2018
In a live television presentation on April 30, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled information about Iran's nuclear weapons program that had been seized by Israeli agents in a January raid on a storage building in Tehran’s Shorabad District. The information, which the Prime Minister called "a secret atomic archive," is comprised of...
