The United States Treasury has announced the designation and blacklisting of a number of businesses that have been serving as fronts for the Iranian government's nuclear program.

It is the latest in a continuing policy to identify and shut down the extensive network of front organizations that the Iranian government uses to surreptitiously fund and operate its illicit weapons program. The Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines and Bank Mellat have been previously designated for their roles in funneling weapons parts and financial resources to the nuclear program.

"As long as Iran uses front companies, cut-outs, and other forms of deception to hide its illicit activities, we intend to expose this conduct and thereby counteract Iran's attempts to evade U.S. and international sanctions," said Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Stuart Levey. "Today's actions will help governments, banks, and other private companies around the world ensure that they do not inadvertently facilitate Iran's proliferation and support for terrorism."