Russian Missile Technology and Nuclear Reactor Transfers to Iran

Publication Date: July 1998

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: International relations

Type:

Coverage: Russia (Federation) Iran

Abstract:

This report examines Russian ballistic missile and nuclear reactor technology transfers to Iran and U.S. responses to those transfers. The report analyzes Iran’s ballistic missile and nuclear power programs, the significance of Russia’s contributions to those programs, resulting U.S. security concerns, and Russian-Iranian cooperation from the perspectives of Moscow, Tehran, and Washington. The report describes bills in the 105th Congress that address Russian transfers of sensitive technologies to Iran, including H.R. 2709, Title I of which is the “Iran Missile Proliferation Sanctions Act.” The report also summarizes existing U.S. legislation relevant to the Russian technology transfers to Iran, such as the Arms Export Control Act (P.L. 90-629), the Export Administration Act (P.L. 96-72), the Iran-Iraq Arms Nonproliferation Act of 1992 (P.L. 102-484), and the current Foreign Operations Appropriations Act (P.L. 105-118, Title II). This report builds upon CRS Report 95-641, Russian Nuclear Reactor and Conventional Arms Transfers to Iran, May 25, 1995 and will be further updated after Congress has completed action on relevant legislation.