The weekly Sunday Times of London, citing investigation agents writes: Iranian companies are obtaining prohibited American technology for use in roadside bombs that have killed more than 1,500 British and American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Investigators say Dubai is being used as a gateway by Iran to acquire American-made components for use in a new generation of advanced roadside bombs – the biggest killer of troops in Iraq.”

The weekly addad: . According to military commanders, the once rudimentary bombs now often use sophisticated electronics and infrared triggers to evade military countermeasures. ”
The Sunday Times added: . According to military commanders, the once rudimentary bombs now often use sophisticated electronics and infrared triggers to evade military countermeasures.
American companies legitimately export electronic components to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other countries, but it is alleged that these are then exported to Iran in breach of American sanctions.

A Georgia-based company was fined last month for supplying electronic circuit boards to Mayrow General Trading, based in Dubai, although it was unaware that its products might be destined for use in IEDs.

“We have reason to believe that Mayrow General Trading and its affiliates have been acquiring US-made components for use in improvised explosive devices in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Mario Mancuso, the American undersecretary of commerce for industry and security. “We will do everything in our power to protect our forces in the field by prosecuting those who illegally export sensitive US technology.”

The Sunday Times continued: A report commissioned by an international investigation company says the American sanctions – first imposed in 1979 – are routinely breached by Iranian front companies operating in the UAE. “These companies have [products] shipped to UAE and redirect the goods to Iran via air or sea,” says the report.
“In many cases the goods do not even leave the airport or port and get redirected immediately to Iran with no customs clearance in Dubai.”

Sunday Times asserted: The Pentagon is spending more than £3 billion developing countermeasures, but the devices are claiming a rising proportion of casualties