Central Bank of Iran (CBI) and China Development Bank (CDB) inked a cooperation agreement worth 15 billion euros to provide financing facilities for development projects. (September 16, 2017).

--

September 2017 - In addition to the credit line, the Export–Import Bank of China committed to a further $10 billion in loans, while the China Development Bank signed preliminary deals with Iran for $15 billion in infrastructure and production projects, Seif announced.

--

"Iran says it has signed two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with two major Chinese banks to provide loans for its key development projects. The banks that will provide the loans to Iran are the Export-Import Bank of China (EXIM) and China Development Bank (CDB). They signed the MoUs with Iran during a visit to Beijing by the country’s Minister of Economy and Financial Affairs Ali Tayyebnia. EXIM had already signed another basic agreement with Iran to finance a high-speed train service between Iran’s capital Tehran and Mashhad in the north-eastern province of Khorasan Razavi. The bank signed the agreement with Iran’s Ministry of Roads and Urban Development in January. Tayebnia arrived in Beijing on Monday at the head of a high-ranking delegation to participate the 16th meeting of the Iran-China joint economic commission, which was held on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Iranian minister later met China’s Vice Premier Wang Yang who urged Iran to take their bilateral cooperation to the next level." (Press TV, "China seals deals to award loans to Iran," 08/18/2016).

According to its 2016 annual report: The Company supplied, for the first time and in bulk, the ultra-high strength coiled tubing CT110 to North America, Iran and other markets, achieving a milestone breakthrough in overseas markets. A scale application of the on-line cold control technology of the international premiere seamless steel pipe has been achieved.

--

"China's Baosteel, the world's fifth largest steel-maker, is prepared to cooperate with Iran in the steel industry and exploration sector. A report by Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO) said that Baosteel's Deputy CEO Chen Zaigen and some of the company's top managers discussed the issue in a meeting with Chairman of IMIDRO Board of Directors Mahdi Karbasian, imidro.gov.ir reported. In the meeting, Zaigen underlined that extensive cooperation can be established with Iran in view of Baosteel's capacities in the steel, mine, jetty, finance and IT sectors. He pointed to the decision by Iranian and Chinese officials to expand economic cooperation and said, 'Our plants in China conform to high environmental standards which are even more advanced than those of some European and American companies.'" (Iran Daily, "Iran, China's Baosteel to cooperate in steel, exploration sectors," 08/17/2016). -- Chinese steel company Baosteel Group is listed as an attendee at the 2016 2nd Annual Iranian Iron & Steel Conference, taking place September 26-28 in Isfahan, Iran. The event over states: "There is much to discuss with sanctions being removed, new projects and investment opportunities planned across Iran and an in-depth look at the central Asian region steel industry" (2nd Annual Iranian Iron & Steel Conference, 2016). -- "Chinese steel giant Baosteel Group has announced that its subsidiary Baosteel International Business Inc. has received an order from National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) for 10,000 metric tons of high frequency welded (HFW) line pipes. This is the first time Baosteel will deliver HFW line pipe to this major global oil exporter." (Steel Orbis, "Baosteel receives HFW line pipe order from National Iranian Oil Co.," 6/10/2010).

According to a location map on its LinkedIn page, MetaSystems does not operate in Iran.

--

MetaSystems develops and manufactures systems for automated microscope-based imaging. The company lists contact information in Tehran, Iran, on its website through VITCO/Vira Idea Trade Co (Company Website).

--

MetaSystems also lists contact information in the United States. MetaSystems USA operates out of Newton, MA and has received around $900,000 thousand in government contracts since 2003 (MetaSystems).

--

MetaSystems has also worked with sensitive U.S. organizations, like the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, a U.S. Department of Energy institute to develop automated cytogenetic biodosimetry workstations (Health Physics News, "The Return of the ORISE Cytogenetic Biodosimetry Laboratory," 10/2007)

"Hyosung Corporation reportedly has an agreement with Iran's state-run National Petrochemical Company to establish a polypropylene plant in Iran. In 2019, CalSTRS identified Hyosung Corporation as potentially having ties to Iran and began the review process. In 2020, CalSTRS removed Hyosung Corporation as it no longer held any of the company’s securities."

--

In 2019, CalSTRS identified Hyosung Corporation as potentially having ties to Iran and began the review process. Hyosung Corporation reportedly has an agreement with
Iran's state-run National Petrochemical Company to establish a polypropylene plant in Iran. 

--

"Earlier reports had suggested that access to RP801, a type of polypropylene used in production of prefillable three-part syringes, including insulin syringes, had become difficult for Iranian manufacturers after South Korea’s industrial conglomerate Hyosung stopped exporting the material to Iran under increasing pressure from the United States." (Fars News, 12/30/2019).

--

"Hyosung Corp., South Korea's leading chemical and textile company, is accelerating its foray into Iran, a country rich in natural gas and oil reserves and dubbed as the gateway to other markets in the Middle East, Europe and Africa. According to chemical industry sources on Sunday, Hyosung recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran's state-run National Petrochemical Company in the business of polypropylene (PP), thermoplastic polymer used in making plastic products and home appliance, products. The Korean company said it has been in talks with its Iranian counterpart to determine the feasibility of its PP business in the country, but has not made any conclusion yet. Industry experts expect Hyosung looking to expand its offshore manufacturing network would set up a PP production base in Iran. The company has inked an agreement with Vietnamese government to build a PP plant at a cost of $336 million in February last year." (Pulse, "Korea's Hyosung Eyes Polypropylene Base In Iran," 4/10/17).

--

"Representatives of Hyosung Corporation, a South Korean industrial conglomerate, visited Iran’s southern Mahshahr Special Petrochemical Economic Zone in Khuzestan province. A delegation from Hyosung Corporation toured Fajr Petrochemical Company (FPC) on Saturday in a bid to explore business and investment opportunities in the economic zone, Shana news agency reported." (Tasnim, "S Korean Delegation Visits Iran’s Southern Petchem Economic Zone," 07/24/2016).

"The U.S. government extended a lifting of sanctions against ZTE Corp. for the second time, as the Chinese maker of telecommunications equipment works to repair its reputation after allegedly violating U.S. trade rules. In a statement Thursday, the U.S. Commerce Department said its temporary sanctions relief will be extended to Nov. 28, which allows ZTE to continue working with U.S. suppliers. As it cooperates with U.S. authorities, ZTE is trying to minimize the damage to its business and brand image from the sanctions, which were put in place in March. The U.S. Commerce Department added ZTE to its 'Entity List,' a list of foreign groups or individuals that present risks to U.S. national security or foreign policy interests. The department alleged that ZTE violated rules restricting exports of U.S. technological goods to Iran." (Wall Street Journal, "U.S. Grants ZTE Another Extension of Trade - Sanctions Relief," 08/18/2016).

--
"The U.S. government has extended through August 30 a reprieve to ZTE Corp on tough export restrictions imposed on the Chinese smartphone maker in March for allegedly breaking sanctions against Iran, the Commerce Department said on Monday. The renewed Commerce Department license allows ZTE to continue exporting equipment containing U.S. technology. The agency said in March that its first reprieve could be extended if the company cooperated with the government. Experts had said U.S. export restrictions were some of the toughest ever applied and would have caused disruption across ZTE's sprawling global supply chain. The restrictions would have banned U.S. companies from exporting to ZTE any technology, software or equipment such as chips and processors made in the United States. The decision would also have prevented software makers from selling typical office applications like Microsoft Windows - or even providing updates. But soon after imposing the restrictions in March, the agency offered the company a three-month relief from the restrictions, which was set to expire June 30. The Commerce Department announced the extension in a notice posted Monday. In an emailed statement, ZTE Chairman Zhao Xianming said the extension shows that the company is improving its compliance and cooperating with the government's investigation. The reprieve will allow ZTE to maintain its 'relationships with hundreds of American companies and our continued investment in the U.S,' he said." (Reuters, “U.S. extends ZTE reprieve for alleged Iran sanctions violations,” 6/27/2016)

--

"ZTE Corp.’s shares plunged as much as 16% Thursday upon resuming trading following a month-long suspension, as the Chinese telecommunications giant continues to face uncertainties after allegedly violating U.S. trade laws. The decline in ZTE’s stock comes as the company tries to rebuild its business and reputation, which have been hurt by the U.S. Commerce Department’s decision to impose trade sanctions on the Chinese company last month. While the U.S. government recently agreed to lift the sanctions temporarily, ZTE said Wednesday that U.S. investigations into alleged violation of trade rules 'may result in criminal and civil liabilities under U.S. laws,' and it cannot fully assess the potential legal liabilities or their impact on its financial conditions. The Commerce Department alleges that ZTE violated rules that restrict exports of American technological goods to Iran and other nations." (The Wall Street Journal, “ZTE Shares Plunge as U.S. Investigation Stirs Concern,” 4/7/2016)

--

"ZTE Corp.’s board will meet early next week to replace three of its most senior executives, including its chief executive, people familiar with the matter said, as the Chinese telecommunications-equipment maker tries to rebuild its reputation after being accused of violating of U.S. trade rules... On Tuesday and Wednesday, the board plans to discuss and approve the management changes as well as ZTE’s 2015 financial results, which were delayed after the U.S. Commerce Department slapped trade sanctions on the company last month, alleging it violated rules by exporting American technological goods to Iran and other nations. As part of a recent agreement between the U.S. Commerce Department and ZTE to temporarily remove the sanctions, the Chinese company’s executives who have been involved in the alleged violation must be removed from management roles, the people said. In a 2011 ZTE internal document obtained and disclosed last month by the U.S. government, Mr. Tian and Mr. Qiu were named as executives who were in charge of ZTE’s plans for allegedly circumventing U.S. export rules. The document detailed the Chinese firm’s elaborate plans to set up shell companies to ship goods to Iran without getting caught by U.S. authorities." (The Wall Street Journal, “China’s ZTE to Replace Three Senior Executives,” 4/4/2016)

--

"The U.S. government will give Chinese telecom equipment and smartphone maker ZTE Corp a three-month reprieve on tough export restrictions it imposed this month, the Commerce Department said on Tuesday. The department on March 8 imposed some of the toughest-ever U.S. export restrictions on ZTE for allegedly breaking U.S. sanctions against Iran. The agency said it would ease the restrictions until June 30. Experts had said the restrictions would have caused disruption across ZTE's sprawling global supply chain. The restrictions would have banned U.S. companies from exporting to ZTE any technology, software or equipment such as chips and processors made in the United States." (Reuters, “U.S. grants China's ZTE temporary reprieve on export curbs,” 3/23/2016)

--

"When the United States government punished ZTE of China this month, saying it had done business with Iran, it released internal company documents that it said detailed how the electronic equipment maker had done it — and that also suggested the problem might not be limited to one Chinese company. One document described how ZTE would set up seemingly independent companies — called 'cut-off companies' — that would sign the deals in other countries. That could enable it to continue to do business in Iran, North Korea and other countries placed under American restrictions. In describing the effort, the document cited as a model — and at times a cautionary tale — a rival company it called F7. ZTE said F7 had done something similar, though its business in restricted companies ended up hurting its American ambitions. The document does not give F7’s real name. But the description offered by ZTE matches a company far larger and more politically sensitive: Huawei Technologies, its chief rival and a major force in the technology world. The ZTE document, dated August 2011, suggests that other Chinese companies could have potential exposure to American export limits. Given the recent sanctions against ZTE, it also suggests that the issue could be a continuing one between Chinese and American government officials." (New York Times, “ZTE Document Raises Questions About Huawei and Sanctions,” 3/18/2016)

--

"The United States is imposing export restrictions on China's ZTE Corp and three other entities over an alleged scheme developed by the telecoms equipment maker to re-export controlled items to Iran, contrary to U.S. law, according to a U.S. notice on Monday. The U.S. Commerce Department, in the public notice, cited ZTE documents that showed the mobile handset maker planned to use shell companies in the scheme, leading the department to impose export curbs that will make it harder for ZTE to acquire U.S. products. ZTE would be able to appeal the decision, which the Commerce Department said will be effective beginning Tuesday... The United States has long banned the sale of United States-made technology products to Iran as part of its sanctions, even as China maintains close diplomatic, economic, trade and energy ties with the Middle Eastern country. The export curbs also apply to two of its Chinese affiliates, ZTE Kangxun Telecommunications Ltd and Beijing 8-Star, and an Iranian company, ZTE Parsian, the notice said." (Reuters, “U.S. curbs China's ZTE exports over Iran business allegations,” 3/8/2016)

--

"In March and April, Reuters reported that China's ZTE Corp, a Huawei competitor, had sold or agreed to sell millions of dollars worth of U.S. computer gear, including HP equipment, to Telecommunication Co of Iran, the country's largest telecommunications firm, and a unit of the consortium that controls TCI. The articles sparked investigations by the U.S. Commerce Department, the Justice Department and some of the U.S. tech companies. ZTE says it is cooperating with the federal probes." (Reuters, "Exclusive: Huawei partner offered embargoed HP gear to Iran," 12/30/12)

--

"Reuters reported in March that China's ZTE Corp had recently sold Iran's largest telecom firm, Telecommunication Co of Iran, a DPI-based surveillance system that was capable of monitoring landline, mobile and internet communications. ZTE later said it intends to reduce its business in Iran." (Reuters, "Special Report: How foreign firms tried to sell spy gear to Iran," 12/4/2012)

--

"Under-fire Chinese telecoms kit maker ZTE has warned it will report a loss of up to 1.75bn yuan (£174m) for the first nine months of the year, blaming a slowing global economy and the Iranian market, where US investigators are probing its activities... In a separate filing to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, ZTE added that its 'operating results were adversely affected by the Iranian market'. Those operations remain contentious in other ways, as Washington is still investigating whether ZTE broke embargoes by selling US products on a 900-page ‘packing list’ to Iran and then deliberately tried to cover its tracks when exposed by media reports. ZTE claims that it 'always respects and complies with international and local laws wherever it operates' and that – like Shenzhen rival Huawei – it is winding down its business in Iran... Another barrier to its attempts to move back into profitability will be last week's report by a House of Representatives Intelligence Committee which concluded that ZTE and Huawei's network infrastructure tech poses a national security risk to US companies. Apart from seemingly blocking off this revenue stream until further notice, the high profile report may also interfere with ZTE’s attempts to build its handset brand in the massive North American market." (The Register, "Iran blamed for ZTE's 260 PER CENT profit slump," 10/15/2012)

--

"The report follows an 11-month investigation by the committee into Huawei Technologies Co Ltd and its smaller rival, ZTE Corp. The companies have been fighting an uphill battle to overcome U.S. lawmakers' suspicions and expand in the United States after becoming key players in the worldwide market... The committee recommended that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, an inter-agency group that evaluates the national security risks of foreign investments, should block any deals involving Huawei or ZTE... Rogers, responding to a question at the press conference, stopped short of urging a U.S. boycott of mobile phones and other handheld devices made by Huawei and ZTE... The panel's warning pertains only to devices that involve processing of data on a large scale, he said, not Huawei- and ZTE-made mobile phones. Employee-owned Huawei is the world's second-biggest maker of routers, switches and other telecommunications equipment after Sweden's Ericsson. ZTE ranks fifth... ZTE, in a newly released copy of a letter to the committee, said it 'profoundly disagrees' with allegations that it is directed or controlled by the Chinese government. 'ZTE should not be a focus of this investigation to the exclusion of the much larger Western vendors,' it said... ZTE's Hong Kong-listed shares fell as much as 3.4 percent early on Monday... ZTE's U.S. telecom infrastructure equipment sales last year were less than $30 million. In contrast, two of the larger Western vendors alone had combined U.S. sales that topped $14 billion, ZTE has said, alluding to Espoo, Finland-based Nokia Siemens Networks and Paris-based Alcatel Lucent." (Reuters, "U.S. lawmakers seek to block China Huawei, ZTE U.S. inroads," 10/8/2012)

--

"Cisco Systems Inc. has ended a longstanding sales partnership with ZTE Corp after an internal investigation into allegations that the Chinese telecommunications equipment maker sold Cisco networking gear to Iran. Cisco's probe followed stories by Reuters in March and April that documented how Shenzhen, China-based ZTE had sold banned computer equipment from Cisco and other U.S. companies to Iran's largest telecom firm. ZTE also agreed last year to ship millions of dollars worth of additional U.S. tech products, including Cisco switches, to a unit of the consortium that controls the telecom firm... ZTE's general counsel at its Texas-based subsidiary alleged that the parent company plotted a cover-up, including possibly shredding documents, after the first Reuters story broke... The U.S. House of Representatives' Intelligence Committee said in a draft of a report to be released Monday that ZTE and fellow Chinese telecom equipment maker Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd should be shut out of the U.S. market because potential Chinese state influence on them poses a security threat. Both companies deny the allegation. David Dai Shu, a ZTE spokesman, said of Cisco's decision to cut ties: 'ZTE is highly concerned with the matter and is communicating with Cisco. At the same time, ZTE is actively cooperating with the U.S. government about the probe to Iran. We believe it will be properly addressed.' In a recent interview, John Chambers, Cisco's chief executive, declined to discuss the results of the company's investigation of ZTE's sales to Iran... Cisco and ZTE partnered for the past seven years in a relationship that was at times rocky, according to a former Cisco executive with knowledge of the matter. ZTE described the initial partnership as an effort to develop business opportunities in China and Asia Pacific, excluding Japan. The partnership expanded about five years ago when Cisco began viewing ZTE as a means to combat Huawei, the world's second-biggest maker of telecoms equipment by revenue after Sweden's Ericsson. Huawei had been beating out Cisco in emerging markets by offering significantly cheaper products. Part of Cisco's strategy, the former Cisco executive said, was 'we would license technology to ZTE and they would produce equipment locally, and we could therefore have a range of equipment in the marketplace that would be cost-competitive with Huawei.' ZTE was 'reasonably successful' in reselling Cisco products inside China, where it was well entrenched in the marketplace, the former executive said. But the plan to develop projects jointly, and offer them in markets such as Africa, floundered... 'ZTE wanted to bring things to market in the U.S. with our help. We really didn't want them to do that,' the former executive said. By 2010, the partnership had basically ended, although ZTE continued as an authorized distributor and reseller of Cisco products, according to a person familiar with the matter. The ZTE spokesman did not comment on its relationship with Cisco. ZTE has continued to do business in Iran where American-made tech products long have been subject to U.S. sanctions. A parts list dated July 2011 for an equipment contract between ZTE and Telecommunication Co of Iran (TCI) included several Cisco switches. ZTE later agreed to sell five Cisco switches to a unit of the consortium that controls TCI, according to documents reviewed by Reuters. After the Reuters report in March, ZTE, China's second largest telecom equipment maker, said it would 'curtail' its business with Iran. Ashley Kyle Yablon, ZTE's Texas-based general counsel, gave the FBI an affidavit in May in which he alleged the company had plotted to cover up the Iran sales. The affidavit became public in July. ZTE recently placed Yablon on administrative leave, according to his attorney, Tom Mills." (Reuters, "Exclusive: Cisco cuts ties to China's ZTE after Iran probe," 10/8/2012)

--

"Seventeen U.S. lawmakers have called on Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner to investigate ZTE Corp, the Chinese telecommunications equipment maker, over allegations it sold a surveillance system and banned U.S. computer equipment to Iran.

In a letter sent to Geithner, the members of the House of Representatives - 16 Republicans and one Democrat - wrote, 'We urge your department and other concerned agencies to examine the nexus between ZTE and Iran and, if warranted, take action to prevent companies that assist the repressive policies of the Iranian regime from expanding in the United States.'

The letter said ZTE 'appears to have violated U.S. sanctions on Iran' by selling a surveillance system to the Telecommunication Co. of Iran. The letter added that it 'appears that ZTE conspired to violate additional export control laws' by agreeing to sell millions of dollars worth of U.S. computer equipment to the unit of the consortium that controls TCI." (Reuters, "Treasury Secretary urged to investigate ZTE," 7/27/12)

--

"The FBI has opened a criminal investigation into ZTE Corp's sale of banned U.S. computer equipment to Iran, a website reported, as the Chinese telecoms gear maker warned its first half net profit could fall as much as 80 percent…According to the affidavit, Yablon told two FBI agents that ZTE officials had discussed shredding documents, altering the packing list and denying it was genuine in an effort to subvert a Department of Commerce investigation into ZTE's sales of U.S. equipment to Iran." (Reuters, "FBI probes China's ZTE over Iran tech deals," 7/13/12)

--

"Reuters reported in March and April that ZTE Corp, a Chinese telecom-equipment maker, had sold or agreed to ship millions of dollars worth of U.S. hardware and software to Iran since 2010 despite a longtime U.S. sales ban on tech products to Iran." (Reuters, "Iranian cell-phone carrier obtained banned U.S. tech," 6/4/2012)

--

"The Department of Commerce is investigating Chinese telecommunications equipment maker ZTE Corp for allegedly selling embargoed U.S. computer products to Iran. The investigation was launched following reports by Reuters in March and April that ZTE had signed contracts to ship millions of dollars worth of hardware and software from some of America's best-known tech firms to Telecommunication Co of Iran (TCI) and a unit of the consortium that controls it along with the Iranian regime. TCI is Iran's largest telecom carrier. 'We've been pursuing it very aggressively,' said a Commerce Department official. Investigators already have met with representatives of ZTE. A spokesman for ZTE, based in Shenzhen, China, declined to comment... According to people familiar with the matter, some of the U.S. companies have received subpoenas requesting information about their dealings with ZTE and a Chinese trading company, Beijing 8-Star International Co, which also was a party to the Iranian contracts. According to contract documents, Beijing 8-Star was responsible for providing certain 'relevant third-party equipments.' One U.S. company received a subpoena in March requesting documents relating to 'Sales to ZTE Corporation (any and all locations and offices to include but not limited to: U.S. locations, Hong Kong, China and Iran) and/or Beijing 8-Star International Company in Hong Kong or China,' according to a person familiar with the matter... ZTE could face a variety of potential penalties, including fines of double the value of the U.S. products, according to the Commerce Department official... The ZTE investigation is expected to take many months, the official said. Reuters reported on March 22 that ZTE had sold numerous American hardware and software products as part of a 98.6 million euro ($123.4 million) contract with TCI in December 2010. The products were listed in a ZTE parts list dated July 2011. They included HP computer parts and printers, Microsoft Windows software, Cisco switches, Dell flat-screen monitors, Oracle database products and Symantec Corp anti-virus software. The day after the article was published, a ZTE spokesman said the company would "curtail" its business in Iran. The company later issued a statement saying: 'ZTE no longer seeks new customers in Iran and limits business activities with existing customers.'... Reuters also reported on April 10 that in June 2011, ZTE had agreed to ship millions of dollars worth of additional U.S. products, including IBM servers, to Aryacell, a unit of the consortium that controls TCI. The U.S. products comprised the bulk of an 8 million euro ($10 million) equipment-supply contract. In response, a ZTE spokesman said the company had decided 'to abandon' the agreement after 'we realized that the contract involved some U.S. embargoed products.' Some of the U.S. companies have had partnerships with ZTE." (Reuters, "Exclusive: U.S. probes China's ZTE over tech sales to Iran," 5/25/2012)

--

"China's ZTE Corp, which recently sold Iran's largest telecommunications firm a powerful surveillance system, later agreed to ship to Iran millions of dollars worth of embargoed U.S. computer equipment, documents show. The American components were part of an 8 million euro ($10.5 million) equipment-supply contract, dated June 30, 2011, between ZTE, a Chinese trading firm and a unit of the consortium that controls the Iranian telecom, Telecommunication Co. of Iran, according to documents reviewed by Reuters. ZTE is China's second-largest telecommunications equipment maker... The parts were intended for business-support services, including a ZTE billing system. A spokesman for ZTE said last week in an email that 'as far as we know' the company had not yet shipped any of the products. Asked if ZTE intended to do so, he emailed a new statement Monday that said: 'We have no intention to implement this contract or ship the products.' He also said ZTE decided 'to abandon' the agreement after 'we realized that the contract involved some U.S. embargoed products.' The contract had made clear the American provenance of the goods: Its accompanying parts list, signed by ZTE, lists more than 20 different computer products from U.S. companies. Washington has banned the sale of such goods to Iran for years... The article reported that despite a longtime U.S. sales ban on tech products to Iran, ZTE's 'Packing List' for the contract, dated July 24, 2011, also included numerous American hardware and software products, although they were not part of the surveillance system... The day after the article was published, a ZTE spokesman said the company would "curtail" its business in Iran. The company later issued a statement saying, 'ZTE no longer seeks new customers in Iran and limits business activities with existing customers.'... It is not clear how ZTE will get out of the contract. According to the terms, the contract only can be terminated if Aryacell breaches it, becomes bankrupt or can't pay its debts." (Reuters, "China's ZTE planned U.S. computer sale to Iran," 4/10/2012)

--

"While Israeli couple Ronny Edri and Michal Tamir made global headlines this week with their 'Israel loves Iran' Facebook campaign, Iranians face increasingly aggressive crackdowns on internet use as the Islamic Republic ramps up its attempts to control information and quash dissidents. This month, watchdog group Reporters Without Borders (RWB) named Iran as the '2012 enemy of the internet,' and US President Barack Obama accused the Islamic Republic of creating an 'electronic curtain' cutting off Iranians from the outside world... US-based non-profit advocacy group United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) says Iran also conducts surveillance against web surfers with sophisticated technologies purchased from international companies. Earlier this week, UANI slammed Chinese telecom giant ZTE for selling an advanced surveillance system to Tehran, which it says enables the Islamic Republic to monitor citizens' voice and text messaging as well as internet communications. UANI spokesman Nathan Carleton told The Jerusalem Post that companies like ZTE risk contributing to human rights violations in Iran. 'Any responsible company should pull out of Iran and eliminate the possibility of the regime misusing its technology to track, monitor, and oppress dissidents,' he said." (JPost, "Inside Man: Behind Tehran's 'electronic curtain," 3/29/12)

--

"Feyzi said sanctions haven’t stopped IT providers from selling to Iran as contracts for equipment such as switches and transmission and radio systems show. Companies including Siemens, Nokia , Eriksson, Alcatel-Lucent, Cisco Systems, Telaps, NEC, ZTE, Huawei Technologies Co and Wuhan Research Institute have all supplied the Islamic republic. Feyzi said TCI was focusing on buying equipment and technology that isn’t considered dual-use or 'problematic' due to the sanctions." (Gulf Times. "Iran telecom firm to offer '50% stake by March'," 1/12/09)

--

"Shenzen-headquartered telecom equipment manufacturer, ZTE Corporation, exhibited its technologies and solutions in the fields of wireless networking, optimization of networks, broadband data networks, multimedia communications, optical transmission and switching systems at the Iran Telecom-infotech 2001 exhibition held on Oct 1-4 in Tehran, Iran. ZTE considers Iran to be one of its most important export markets. The Company set up a branch office in Tehran in the year 2000." (World IT Report. "China's ZTE seeks more cooperation opportunities in Iran," 4/8/03)

--

"ZTE Corp, China's second-largest telecommunications equipment maker, said it will 'curtail' its business in Iran following a report that it had sold Iran's largest telecom firm a powerful surveillance system capable of monitoring telephone and Internet communications.Reuters reported Thursday that Shenzhen-based ZTE had signed a 98.6 million euro ($130.6 million) contract with the Telecommunication Co of Iran in December 2010 that included the surveillance system... Shu said ZTE had decided 'some time ago' to 'shrink' its business in Iran, although he said the company had not yet decided on the details. 'It's still being discussed,' he said. He also said he did not know the reason for the decision." (Reuters. "China's ZTE to "curtail" business in Iran," 3/23/12)

"Iran and Norway signed an insurance memorandum of understanding (MoU) on in the field of shipping. The MoU was signed between Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Line (IRISL)and Norway’s Skuld P&I Company on different kinds of sea insurances. The MoU also covers the complaints in relation to sea insurance, training of personnel and upgrading knowledge and capabilities of the Iranian experts." (IRNA, "Iran, Norway ink cooperation shipping, sea insurance," 08/18/2016).

"Hengkang Medical Group Co Ltd says it signs letter of intent to set up Chinese medicines institute, plant and medical centre in Iran." (Reuters, "BRIEF-Hengkang Medical plans Chinese medicine institute in Iran," 08/19/2016).

"Denmark's largest oil operator, Maersk Group says it continues talks with Iran to take part in possible oil projects, but no agreement has been reached so far." (Trend News Agency, "No agreement yet on developing Iran's South Pars oil layers." 3/16/2016).

--
"The world's top line Maersk said the company, together with parent A.P. Moller-Maersk, had met with Iranian officials to discuss possible projects with nothing agreed, adding that any decision on 'engagement' in Iran would have to await the repeal of sanctions." (Reuters, “Container shipping lines returning to Iran tread cautiously,” 1/7/2016)

--

"'In the event of lifting of international sanctions, Iran will have great potential for new commercial business activity,' said Michael Storgaard, a spokesman for Copenhagen-based Maersk Line, the world's biggest container operator in terms of capacity. Anne Gronbjerg, Maersk's managing director in Jordan, Kuwait and Iraq, said the company's current volumes in and out Iran are half of what they were in 2011, before the latest wave of sanctions in 2012." (Wall Street Journal, "IRISL Plans to Modernize Fleet, Re-Enter Western Markets," 10/7/15)

--

"Tougher conditions led to AP Moller-Maersk's Maersk Line, the world's biggest container company, pulling out entirely from Iran last year, joining an exodus including the world's number two and three MSC and CMA CGM and smaller groups like Germany's Hapag-Lloyd." (Reuters, "Iran faces fresh trade heat as more shipping firms exit," 5/7/2013)

--

"Maersk Line, the world's biggest container shipping company, has stopped port calls to Iran as Western sanctions pressure on the Islamic Republic mounts, a spokeswoman said on Tuesday... 'Maersk Line has ceased to call in Iran,' a spokeswoman for the unit of Danish group A.P. Moller-Maersk said... 'To date, Maersk Line's business in Iran has involved transporting foodstuffs and other goods, for example vehicles, for the benefit of the general civilian population. It is with regret that it is ceasing these activities,' the spokeswoman said. 'Maersk Line will maintain a dormant business entity in Iran and will look to resume business should the sanctions regime be eased.'... Since 2011, it has called at the small northern Iranian container port of Bushehr. The spokeswoman said Maersk Line halted loading cargo bound for Bushehr on September 30 and stopped loading outbound cargo from Bushehr on September 24. 'Maersk Line ceased its acceptance to all other ports than Bushehr in 2011,' the spokeswoman said. 'The discontinuation of services to and from Bushehr unfortunately reflects the difficulties servicing Iran as a whole.'" (Reuters, "Top shipping line Maersk says halts Iran service," 10/9/2012)

--

"Danish oil and shipping group A.P. Moller Maersk says it will talk to Vitol to determine whether one of its tankers was used by the trading house to ship Iranian fuel oil. The Maersk Producer, a tanker chartered by Vitol from Maersk, received a fuel oil cargo of Iranian origin on Sept. 8, according to a document seen by Reuters. The cargo was transferred aboard the Danish tanker from Vitol's floating storage off Malaysia, the document shows, and shipped to storage in Singapore. Vitol admitted last week its Bahrain office had bought the Iranian fuel oil but said it had now ordered a stop to all trade with Iran, which is under European and U.S. oil and financial sanctions. Based in Switzerland and trading the oil from Bahrain, Vitol did not contravene sanctions... 'Not at any point did we know that the vessel would be used to transport oil under embargo and we will bring this up for discussion with Vitol at the highest level,' said Per Juul, managing director of the agent for Maersk, in an e-mail response to questions. 'If it is confirmed that it was Iranian oil the consequences will have to be discussed with Vitol...we have contacted our insurance company about this issue.' A spokesman for Vitol said the company would 'cooperate fully' in any talks with Maersk." (Reuters, "Danish shipper asks Vitol if tanker used for Iran oil," 10/3/2012)

--

"Danish shipping and oil company A.P. Moller-Maersk has suspended new oil tanker deals with Iran due to European Union sanctions which will embargo imports of oil from the Islamic Republic into the bloc, a senior Maersk official told Reuters on Wednesday... 'As of 24 Jan 2012, all new fixtures involving Iran and all carriages of products with Iranian origin have been suspended,' said Henrik Ramskov, chief operating officer with Maersk Tankers, a unit of the Maersk group and one of the world's top tanker operators... A Maersk spokesman said its tanker unit made 14 Iran related voyages in 2011, 'representing a miniscule part of their activity.'" (Reuters, "Maersk suspends oil tanker trade deals with Iran," 2/8/2012)

--

"The U.S. move led the world's top container player Maersk Line to suspend operations at several Iranian ports including Bandar Abbas... Danish shipping and oil group A.P. Moller-Maersk , which owns Maersk Line, said it was still engaged in business with Iran including the transport of provisions, natural gas and crude oil as well as bunker fuel supply to Maersk-related vessels, in compliance with sanctions. 'The group has and continues to update a comprehensive compliance program involving all relevant foreign trade controls,' it said." (Reuters, "Sanctions blowback crippling Iran's shipping trade," 12/1/2011)

--

"The world's largest container firm suspended operations at several Iranian ports on Thursday, potentially disrupting critical food shipments as it complies with tightening U.S. sanctions. Maersk line, a unit of A.P. Moller-Maersk, manages several refrigerated ships and container vessels that transport food to the country, including wheat, rice and bananas from Asia. Shipments could be delayed for weeks as Maersk adjusts its operations in the Middle East, analysts said... The United States last week blacklisted Tidewater Middle East Co. and prohibited U.S. entities from any transactions with the major Iranian port operator, which manages over 90 percent of the country's container operations. 'Maersk Line is committed to complying with all relevant foreign trade controls and sanctions programmes,' said Morten Engelstoft, chief operating officer for Maersk Line in a statement on Thursday. 'In this connection, Maersk Line has decided to cease acceptance of, business to and from the Iranian ports of Bandar Abbas, Bandar Khomeini and Asaluyeh.' ... Maersk operates in other Iranian ports and could also divert shipments to Dubai, partnering with other companies that are not bound by U.S. sanctions aimed at curtailing Iran's alleged nuclear weapons programme... Tidewater-managed ports have been used to export arms or handle related material in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions, the U.S. Treasury said last week. International sanctions are aimed at curtailing Iran's alleged nuclear weapons programme." (Reuters. "World's top shipper suspends some Iran ops over sanctions," 6/30/11)

--

In July 2010, Maersk paid a $3.1 million fine to the US government for violating embargoes against both Iran and Sudan (Fox News, "Danish Shipping Firm Denies Violating US Sanctions Against Iran", 8/2/2010).

--

Maersk Line lists two Iranian offices on its website, one in Tehran and one in Bandar Abbas, registered to the company Maersk Iran A.S. (Maersk Line Company Website).

--

Maersk Iran A.S. lists Shaheed Rajee Container Terminal in Bandar Abbas, Khorramshahr Terminal in Khorramshahr, and Bandar Imam Khomeini Terminal in Bandar Imam Khomeini as service points for imports and exports (Maersk Line Export Services).

--

Beginning on September 15, 2009, Maersk began offering “direct call to Bandar Abbas, Iran” on the FM1 line. The company advertises “Direct service to/from Bandar Abbas…competitive transit time for Iran bound cargo…[and] transit time for Iran export cargo to Far East improved by 7 days along with direct coverage into Singapore and China” (Maersk Line Customer Advisory, 9/14/09).

--

Maersk Line has weekly service in and out of the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas, on its Far East-Middle East FM1 line. Other ports on the line include Dammam in Saudi Arabia, Jebel Ali Dubai in the U.A.E, Singapore, and multiple ports in China (Maersk Line Service Network Website).

--

In June 2010, according to Maersk Line’s “Schedule by Port,” 15 Maersk Shipping Container Vessels came through the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas (Maersk Line Shipping Containers- Schedule by Port). This includes the German-flagged Busan Express, the UK-flagged Hyundai Oakland, and the Greek-flagged Sea-Land New York. The ships headed to ports in the U.A.E., Karachi, Singapore, China, and India (Maersk Line Shipping Containers- Schedule by Vessel).

--

In June 2010, according to Maersk Line’s “Schedule by Port,” two ships made seven total trips to Khorramshahr Terminal. The Cyprus-flagged MCP LINZ and the Ali 18 traveled between Khorramshahr (Iran), Jebel Ali Dubai (U.A.E.), and Bandar Khomeini (Iran) according to Maersk’s “Schedule by Vessel.”

--

In June 2010, according to Maersk Line’s “Schedule by Port,” two ships made five total trips to Bandar Imam Khomeini Container Terminal in Iran. The Cyprus-flagged MCP LINZ and the Ali 18 traveled between Bandar Khomeini (Iran), Jebel Ali Dubai (U.A.E.), and Khorramshahr (Iran) (Maersk Line Schedule by Vessel).

--

The International Business Monitor lists Maersk as one of the shipping lines that does business in and out of the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas (International Business Monitor, “Iran Shipping Market Overview- Port of Bandar Abbas,” 4/28/2010).

--

Maersk Tankers CEO Soren Skou said that 25 tankers worldwide are being used to store oil, 20 of which are commissioned by Iran. Mr. Skou did not, however, specify if any of them are owned or operated by Maersk (Reuters, “Floating Oil Storage Ending: Maersk,” 5/27/2010).

--

AP Moeller-Maersk does extensive business with the United States government, having earned nearly $4 billion ($3,980,588,981) in government contracts from 2000-2010, according to USASpending.gov. Nearly 95 percent of these funds came from the U.S. Defense Department. USASpending.gov also lists that Maersk Company Ltd., the British arm of AP Moeller Maersk, has received $480,484,505 in government contracts in the past decade, with more than 95 percent of those funds coming from the U.S. Defense Department.

--

In 2010, Maersk Line Ltd, the US arm of Maersk Line, won a contract worth over $460 million to operate twelve U.S. Navy vessels. Under the contract, Maersk Line Ltd will operate and maintain 10 ships in the US Navy Military Sealift Command’s Maritime Prepositioning Force and help the government manage its cargo. The two other ships “carry ammunition, explosives, vehicles, and containerized cargo for the US Army’s prepositioning program.” The contract begins in 2010, and if all options are exercised, will continue until 2015 (Tradewinds.no, “Maersk Wins US Navy Work,” 6/1/2010).

Companies such as China’s Union Pay, Japan’s JCB, Turkey’s Iyzico and even Paymentwall (which was postponed) have already taken steps towards the full establishment in Iran. And now according to the Central Bank of Iran (CBI), the Iranian payment system is connecting to Russian and Omani banks. 

--

"Central Bank of Iran has rejected the claim by San Francisco-based Paymentwall that it has integrated its payment services into Shetab - Iran’s local payment system. Davoud Mohammad Beigi, Manager of payment systems of the Central Bank, told MNA that the Central Bank has not held any negotiations with Paymentwall over this issue. Managers of other companies active in electronic banking also said the connection of Shetab to Paymentwall cannot happen without coordination with the Central Bank, and this needs to be pursued at a macro level by officials at the Central Bank of Iran." (Mehr, "Paymentwall 'not connected' to Iranian banking system," 04/18/2016).

--

Paymentwall announced: "With nuclear sanctions lifted from Iran, Paymentwall integrated Shetab (interbank information transfer network system). The Shetab is a unified, electronic clearance system for the entire Iranian banking operations that allows it to facilitate transactions from credit cards, ATMs and point-of-sale (POS) terminals. Paymentwall’s CEO, stated that 'we believe that Iran has a strong business potential, and hopefully we will be able to go live with Shetab soon … [and] [b]y integrating Shetab, we want to allow foreign businesses to bring digital content to Iran and process payments there.'" (Paymentwall Website, "Paymentwall integrates Shetab in Iran," 04/15/2016).

Vallourec, Mallourec Middle East and Vallourec Tubes France attended the Iranian Steel Pipe & Tube Conference held in Tehran on May 24-26, 2016. (MetalBullitan Events, "Iranian Steel Pipe & Tube Conference," 2016).

--

"In October 2015, CEO Crouzet said, We used to supply Iran before the sanctions period, we are well known there, the VAM connections – our top brand – is extremely well known, in fact it’s used everywhere on all the fields there. Crouzet confirms that if sanctions are lifted then, Iran clearly becomes an opportunity for us.” (Pipeline Magazine, "Middle East has the magic says Vallourec boss," 10/18/2015).