U.S. Warns UAE Over Diversion Of Sensitive Technology to Iran, Syria

The United States Dec. 14, 2006 issued a stern warning to the United Arab Emirates over its continuing failure to halt the diversion of sensitive technology to Iran and Syria, saying that there could be consequences if there is no change "in the near term." There has been a rising number of militarily sensitive items being diverted through the ports of Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Iran and Syria.

The United States may be forced to take action against the UAE "if there continues to be this problem." But he declined to specify what sort of action that might be. Restricting some high-technology exports to the UAE would be one possibility. The UAE still does not have an export control law and there is lack of oversight by the UAE authorities.