IRANIAN BALLISTIC MISSILE PROGRAM'S INTEREST IN

S E C R E T STATE 067220 E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/23/2033 TAGS: MTCRE PARM PREL MNUC ETTC KSCA JA IR SUBJECT: IRANIAN BALLISTIC MISSILE PROGRAM'S INTEREST IN PROCURING JAPANESE-ORIGIN CARBON FIBERS Classified By: ISN/MTR DIRECTOR PAM DURHAM FOR REASON 1.4 (C). ¶1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 3. ¶2. (S) Background/Objectives: We have information indicating that in mid-December 2007, the Iranian firm Sazeh Morakab Company Ltd. provided information on two types of carbon fibers manufactured by the Japanese company Toray to an entity affiliated with Iran's ballistic missile program. Carbon fibers are required for the manufacture of the composite material that can be used to produce ballistic missile components such as solid rocket cases, re-entry vehicle nose tips, propellant tanks, and rocket motor nozzles. Although we have no information suggesting that Toray is aware of the Iranian entities' interest in its products, we want to bring this information to the attention of GOJ officials. We want to alert them to the fact that Sazeh Morakab appears to be working as an intermediary for Iran's ballistic missile program and hope that this information will be useful to the GOJ in its export control efforts. ¶3. (U) Action Request: Request Embassy Tokyo approach appropriate host government officials to deliver talking points in paragraph 4 and report response. Points may also be left as a non-paper. ¶4. (S) Begin talking points/non-paper: (SECRET//REL JAPAN) -- In the spirit of our nonproliferation cooperation, we would like to raise with you a matter of proliferation concern and request your assistance in investigating this activity. -- We have information indicating that in mid-December 2007, the Iranian firm Sazeh Morakab Company Ltd. provided information on two types of carbon fibers manufactured by the Japanese company Toray to an entity affiliated with Iran's ballistic missile program. -- Specifically, we understand that Sazeh Morakab provided specifications for high quality Toray T800HB-6000 and T800HB-12000 carbon fibers to an entity affiliated with Iran's ballistic missile program. -- Carbon fibers are required for the manufacture of the composite material that can be used to produce ballistic missile components such as solid rocket cases, re-entry vehicle nose tips, propellant tanks, and rocket motor nozzles. -- While we have no information suggesting that Toray is aware of the Iranian entities' interest in its products, we wanted to alert you to the fact that Sazeh Morakab appears to be working as an intermediary for Iran's ballistic missile program and hope that this information is useful in supporting your export control efforts. -- We look forward to hearing back from you soon and to continuing cooperation with your government on nonproliferation matters. End talking points/non-paper ¶5. (U) Please contact ISN/MTR's Sarah Beane with any questions or follow-up issues related to this case (202-647-4019 - beanesa@state.sgov.gov) and slug any reporting on this issue for ISN/MTR and EAP/J. ¶6. (U) A word version of this document will be posted at www.state.sgov.gov/demarche. RICE NNNN End Cable Text