SHIPMENT OF JAPANESE-ORIGIN CHEMICAL USED IN

S E C R E T STATE 042999

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/28/2034
TAGS: MTCRE PARM PREL MNUC ETTC KSCA JA IR
SUBJECT: SHIPMENT OF JAPANESE-ORIGIN CHEMICAL USED IN
MISSILE PROPELLANT BOUND FOR IRAN (S)

Classified By: ISN/MTR DIRECTOR PAM DURHAM FOR REASONS
1.4 (B),(D),AND (H).


1. (U) This is an action request. Embassy Tokyo,
please see paragraph 3.


2. (S) Background/Objectives: The United States has
information that as of late April 2009, a consignment
of over 210 metric tons of toluene diisocyanate (TDI)
was scheduled to be loaded on the Islamic Republic of
Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) vessel "Sabalan" in South
Korea for shipment to Bandar Abbas, Iran. The TDI was
originally exported by the Japanese company Mitsui and
Company Ltd. from Japan to South Korea. Although the
consignee for this shipment is the United Arab Emirates
company Chemipex FZE, the actual end-user is Iranian.
TDI is not controlled by the Missile Technology Control
Regime (MTCR),but it can be used to produce binding
agents in solid rocket propellant. We are therefore
concerned that this shipment could potentially be
diverted to missile-related end-users in Iran, and want
to encourage Japanese officials to investigate this
information.


3. (S) Action Request: Request Embassy Tokyo approach
appropriate host government officials to deliver
talking points/non-paper in paragraph 4 below and
report response. Talking points also may be provided
as a non-paper.


4. (S) Begin talking points/non-paper:

(SECRET//REL JAPAN)

-- We would like to raise with you a matter of
proliferation concern and request your government's
assistance in investigating this activity.

-- The United States has information that in late April
2009, the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines
(IRISL)-owned vessel "Sabalan" was scheduled to load a
consignment of over 210 metric tons of Japanese-origin
toluene diisocyanate (TDI) in South Korea for delivery
to Bandar Abbas, Iran.

-- We understand that this shipment of TDI was exported
by the Japanese firm Mitsui and Company Ltd. and
shipped from Japan to South Korea aboard the vessel
"Grand Ocean."

-- Our information indicates that although the
consignee for this shipment is the Dubai, UAE company
Chemipex FZE, the actual end-user is Iranian.

-- We are bringing this matter to your attention
because, although TDI is not controlled by the Missile
Technology Control Regime (MTCR),it could be used to
produce the binding agents in solid rocket propellants.
As such, we are concerned that it could potentially be
diverted to missile-related end-users in Iran.

-- We encourage you to investigate this activity with a
view toward determining whether the Japanese firm
exporting this chemical was aware that the ultimate
end-user was in Iran and how it was intended to be
used.

-- We look forward to continued close cooperation on
nonproliferation issues and to hearing of any actions
your government takes in response to this information.

End talking points/non-paper


5. (U) Please contact ISN/MTR's John Paul Herrmann
with any questions or follow-up issues related to this
case (202-647-1430 - herrmannjp@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.
CLINTON