Germany Substantially Reduced its Export Guarantees to Iran in the First Half of 2008

摘要

Germany, which is one of Iran's leading industrial and trading partners, has often been criticized by Israel and the United States for the amount of support it has given to the Iranian regime, whereas Tehran is engaged in a trial of strength with the international community over its nuclear program, and especially its uranium enrichment activities. The development of Iran's space program is another cause for concern, as illustrated by the launch on 2 February of the Safir-2 missile, which placed the Omid (Hope) satellite in orbit. Tehran claims that this satellite was 100% Iranian built. Western diplomats think the technology used is very similar to that of ballistic missiles.