An Iranian shipping company has dismissed a British allegation that its activities are linked to Tehran's sensitive atomic programme, the reformist Sarmayeh newspaper said on Saturday. Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines claims it has not violated any rule or facilitated transport of consignments aimed at helping the nuclear programme, the report said.
On Monday, London said it had ordered financial companies to stop trade with IRISL as it transports "goods for both Iran's ballistic missile and nuclear programmes." A company statement published by Sarmayeh said "IRISL has committed no violation of rules and regulations. "Transportation of nuclear consignments by ships of this company is a baseless claim ... and the fact that the British government has not brought any evidence proves this."
The British ban was revealed in the House of Commons by Treasury Minister Sarah McCarthy-Fry. The ban also applied to a leading Iranian financial institution, Bank Mellat, for allegedly giving services to an organisation "connected to Iran's proliferation-sensitive activities." The bank too has brushed off the ban, saying the order did not amount to any sanction and that its assets will not be blocked in Britain.
Western powers suspect Iran's nuclear programme is aimed at making atomic weapons, a charge strongly denied by Tehran. Iran's nuclear programme has been hugely controversial, with the United States leading economic and political pressures to make Iran halt its sensitive atomic activities.
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