TTWG -- SNIPER RIFLES OFFERED TO IRAN'S MINISTRY

S E C R E T STATE 096555

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/08/2018
TAGS: PARM PREL MASS ETTC GM FR AU IR
SUBJECT: TTWG -- SNIPER RIFLES OFFERED TO IRAN'S MINISTRY
OF DEFENSE

Classified By: EUR/PRA Director Anita Friedt Reasons 1.4 (c) and (d)


1. This is an Action Request - Please see paragraph 3.


2. (S) Summary: We have information that in mid-May 2008 the
Iranian Ministry of Defense was offered 40 German-made Unique
Alpine sniper rifles and associated equipment by the French
company TAC International. We believe that the rifles were
intended to be exported to Iran through Austria. End Summary.

OBJECTIVES/ACTION REQUEST:


3. (S/REL AU, GE, FR) Posts are requested to approach
appropriate host government officials and deliver the talking
points/nonpaper in para 4. In doing so, Posts should pursue
the following objectives:

-- Alert officials that Iran's Ministry of Defense was
offered German-made sniper rifles.

-- Urge host government officials you to reject any requests
from your companies for the sale of lethal military equipment
to Iran, and to prevent any such equipment reaching Iran or
illicit forces in Iraq or Afghanistan.


4. Begin Talking Points/Nonpaper:

(S/REL AU, GE, FR)

-- We have information that in mid-May 2008 the Iranian
Ministry of Defense was offered 40 German-made Unique Alpine
sniper rifles and associated equipment by the French company
TAC International. We believe that the rifles were intended
to be exported to Iran through Austria.

-- Iran, a country designated by the United States as a State
Sponsor of Terrorism, is actively involved in further
destabilizing the Middle East region through its military
build-up and support of terrorism.

-- Particularly in light of Iran's continuing refusal to meet
IAEA and U.N. requirements with regard to its nuclear
program, arms sales to Iran undermine our joint, diplomatic
efforts to resolve the Iranian nuclear weapons issue.

-- In addition, given Iran's history of supplying military
equipment and weapons to terrorist groups, we are concerned
that these rifles could be diverted or provided to terrorist
groups, including those in Iraq or Afghanistan.

-- In this particular case, the sniper rifles would
jeopardize United States personnel who are already in a
difficult security situation.

--We urge you to reject any requests from your companies for
the sale of lethal military equipment to Iran, and to prevent
any such equipment reaching Iran or illicit forces in Iraq or
Afghanistan.

BACKGROUND


5. (S/NF) In 2005, the U.S. raised concerns with Austria
regarding its sale of sniper rifles to Iran. Austria shipped
800 rifles to Iran, but canceled the rest of the contract.
The Austrian firm, Steyr Mannlicher GMBH and Company KG, was
sanctioned by the U.S. under the Iran Nonproliferation Act.
We have subsequently recovered Iranian copies of this rifle
in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Reporting Requirement and POC:


6. Please report delivery of the demarche and any immediate
response within 5 days of delivery.


7. Department POC is ISN/CATR Margaret T. Mitchell and
EUR/PRA Matthew Hardiman. Please slug all replies to ISN and
EUR. Posts' assistance is greatly appreciated.
RICE