text: World Council for the Cedars Revolution - Statement by Secretary Paulson on Iran Designations
  Home News Content Blog Blog Items US and Western Governments Statement by Secretary Paulson on Iran Designations
  Written by Treasury
  Sec. Treasury Henry Paulson
  Treasury and State Designate Iranian Entities and Individuals for Proliferation Activities and Support for Terrorism
  The U.S. government today announced several major actions to counter Iran's bid for nuclear capabilities and support for terrorism by exposing Iranian banks, companies and individuals that have been involved in these dangerous activities and by cutting them off from the U.S. financial system. "Today, we are taking additional steps to combat Iran's dangerous conduct and to engage financial institutions worldwide to make the most informed decisions about those with whom they choose to do business," said Secretary Paulson.
  http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/hp645.htm
  The Financial Action Task Force, the world's premier standard-setting body for countering terrorist financing and money laundering, recently highlighted the threat posed by Iran to the international financial system. FATF called on its members to advise institutions dealing with Iran to seriously weigh the risks resulting from Iran's failure to comply with international standards. Last week, the Treasury Department issued a warning to U.S. banks setting forth the risks posed by Iran. (For the text of the Treasury Department statement see: ( http://www.fincen.gov/guidance_fi_increasing_mlt_iranian.pdf. ). Today's actions are consistent with this warning, and provide additional information to help financial institutions protect themselves from deceptive financial practices by Iranian entities and individuals engaged in or supporting proliferation and terrorism.