BELGIUM REQUEST URGENT INFORMATION ON IRAN

S E C R E T BRUSSELS 000381 SIPDIS STATE PASS EUR/WE AND ISN NESS FOR RICHARD STRATFORD E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/17/2019 TAGS: KNNP MNUC PARM TRGY ENRG EMIN ETTC IR BE SUBJECT: BELGIUM REQUEST URGENT INFORMATION ON IRAN PROLIFERATION QUESTION Classified By: Political Economic Officer Aaron Jensen for reasons 1.4 B and D. ¶1. (U) This is an action request, please see paragraph 5. ¶2. (S) Werner Bauwens, Special Envoy for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation called Poloff in to deliver two messages regarding Iran and proliferation: the name change of an Iranian shipping company and a Belgian company's request to export a high quantity of Iridium-192 to Iran. ¶3. (C) Bauwens informed Poloff that an Antwerp based subsidiary of Iranian International Shipping Lines (IRISL) had changed its name to Antares. He surmised the new "Antares" hoped to avoid the spot light, customs and law enforcement attention. Bauwens assured us the GOB would maintain the same level of vigilance on Antares. The GOB will share the information with Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Bauwens said Belgium was serious about deepening sanctions on Iran that have international consensus (e.g. UNSC and EU),and this information sharing was evidence of the GOB's commitment. ¶4. (S) Bauwens told Poloff an unnamed Belgian company requested an export permit for iridium (IR-192) to Iran. Although IR-192 is used to perform non-destructive testing and is not on any list of sanctioned items, the GOB is concerned with the large quantity ordered. The GOB is leaning towards using a domestic "catch-all" law that allows restrictions on certain materials going to countries such as Iran. The GOB believes the IR-192 would be used to test facilities used in its nuclear program. Belgium has not yet decided whether to deny or allow the export. Seemingly not aware of the U.S. embargo, Bauwens asked for USG assurance that if Belgium bars the export, that an American company, one of the few exporters of IR-192, would not be allowed to step in and provide the material. Bauwens did not have the name of the U.S. company. ¶5. (S) Action Request: Post requests Department instruction on what information to provide Werner Bauwens by March 19, COB Washington time. Please indicate whether we should simply mention the U.S. embargo on trade with Iran or provide additional information. End Action Request. .