Thursday, February 28, 2008

U.S. To Increase Pressure on Iran



WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Treasury's top sanctions official is traveling to major Middle East financial centers this week to build support for its campaign to increase international pressure on Iran and combat terrorist financing.

A Treasury spokesman said Stuart Levey, undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, will visit Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates this week to talk to government officials and banking executives.

"That trip is part of our overall mission to combat terrorist financing," said Treasury spokesman John Rankin.

The Treasury has frozen U.S. assets and prohibited American transactions with several Iranian state banks and other companies it accuses of aiding Iran's quest for nuclear weapons and of providing financial support to terrorist groups. Among banks blacklisted are Bank Melli, Iran's largest bank, Bank Mellat, Bank Sepah and Bank Saderat.

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The conflict between the US and Iran strengthens. The United States wants to increase pressure on Iran and "combat terrorist financing." What will become of the two battling countries?
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