New York, NY, September 11, 2008 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) praised the decision by the U.S. Treasury Department to designate Iranian shipping companies as proliferators.  The designation of the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) and its affiliates resulted from their activities in aiding the nuclear and missile proliferation activities of Iran's Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics. 

U.N. Security Council Resolution 1803 mentions IRISL as a possible subject of inspection for "transporting prohibited goods."

"This designation sends a strong signal to the international business world, which we hope will have the dual effect of impairing Iran's ability to import materials for its nuclear and missile programs and of increasing the economic pressure on Iran as long as it doesn't suspend its nuclear operations," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.

"As with previous U.S. actions on Iran, the Treasury Department is finding creative means of combining U.S. and U.N. sanction authorities to raise the cost to Iran for its ongoing failure to comply with international obligations regarding its nuclear program.  We hope other responsible nations, particularly those with significant commercial relationships with Iran, will follow this model and increase the effectiveness of this decision."

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.