UANI

UANI’s "Tunneling & Construction Campaign" highlights the activities of international firms that provide the Iranian regime with sensitive tunneling technology and equipment. The Iranian regime utilizes this equipment to dig massive underground tunnels and facilities that shield and obscure its nuclear program.

In December 2009, World Tunneling released a report detailing the existence of 19 tunnel-boring machines (TBMs) that are used for various projects throughout Iran. Upon completion of these projects, however, the Iranian regime then appropriates the TBMs for its own illicit uses. Many of the international tunneling firms providing this equipment in Iran also act through or in conjunction with Islamic Revolutionary Guard-sanctioned companies such as Sahel Consulting Engineers or Ghaem.

In addition, a number of these international tunneling firms, including Herrenknecht, Aker Wirth and Seli, receive hundreds of millions of dollars in U.S. civil contracts for major infrastructure projects despite their activity in Iran.

Firms that provide this technology and equipment are liable to be penalized under U.S. and EU sanctions law for materially contributing to Iran's illicit nuclear program.

TUNNELING FIRMS REPORTEDLY ACTIVE IN IRAN

	German manufacturer Herrenknecht is the leading supplier of TBMs to Iran. The the firm lists two sales and service offices in Tehran: Herrenknecht Iran and Tajhizat Novin Tunnel PJS. A 2010 New York Times report highlighted Iran’s abuse of civilian tunnel-boring machines to shield and obscure its nuclear weapons program and pointed to Herrenknecht as a key supplier to Iran of such equipment.
	German manufacturer Aker Wirth has operated Iran through the WPS Group and previously sold tunnel-boring equipment to Iran for a water project that was managed by the IRGC. According to a 2009 report by World Tunneling, Aker Wirth had three TBMs active in Iran.
	Italian construction equipment firm Seli has worked on several Iranian tunnel projects with sanctioned IRGC entities, such as Ghaem and Sahel Consulting Engineers.
	The French engineering company NFM has operated in Iran through WPS Group, which it lists as a representative. It was the leader in Iran’s two largest public transport projects, the Tabriz and Shiraz subway lines.
	According to World Tunneling, tunnel boring machines constructed by Japanese construction firm Kamugai are active in tunneling projects in Iran.
	Swiss firm Ceresola recently signed a tunneling technology contract worth over €1 billion with the Rahab Engineering Establishment, an IRGC entity.

Key Resources

Reports

• Wall Street Journal. “The Rome-Tehran Axis,” (1/14/2010)
• New York Times. “Iran Shielding Its Nuclear Efforts in Maze of Tunnels.” (1/5/2010)
• World Tunneling. “Iranian TBMs continue steady march.” (12/23/2009)
• Commentary. “The Iranian Shell Game.” (July 2008)
• The Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies. “Iran’s Deceptive Commercial Practices.” (4/15/2008)