South Korea Seizes Iran-Bound Nuclear Material

December 8, 2010

Publication Type: 

  • International Enforcement Actions

Weapon Program: 

  • Nuclear

Mentioned Suspect Entities & Suppliers: 

Author: 

Wisconsin Project Staff

On December 8, 2010, South Korean officials seized some 300 phosphor bronze wire mesh rolls with potential nuclear uses from a Korean Air Cargo jet at Seoul International Airport. The measurements of these rolls correspond to use in a water distillation column for heavy water production. The mesh rolls arrived from China and were bound for Pentane Chemistry Industries (PCI) in Iran following transshipment in Turkey. The shipment violates several U.N Security Council resolutions that bar Iran from importing items that could contribute to its heavy water-related capability.

Footnotes: 

[1] "Panel of Experts Established Pursuant to Resolution 1929 (2010) - Final Report," United Nations Report , May 7, 2011.

[2] Louis Charbonneau, "Iran Tried to Buy Banned Items From N.Korea -Envoys," Reuters, March 22, 2011.

[3] "Diplomats Say New Iran Weapons Materials Seized," Agence France-Presse (AFP), March 17, 2011.