Other Names: Melli Agrochemical Co. PJS
Address: Melli Agrochemical Co. PJS
P.O. Box 15875-1734
Ostad Motahari Ave 176
Tehran, Iran 15759
Phone Number: +98 21 88 34879, +98 21 88 24600
Subordinate to: n/a
Size: Unknown
Primary Function: Pesticide production. Reportedly serves as a front company for the purchase of precursor chemicals.

History: Unknown

Activities: According to one source, Melli Agrochemicals is an Iranian agrochemical company that manufactures pesticides, but also has a record of buying nerve agent precursors on behalf of Iran's defense ministry. According to intelligence sources cited by the Iran Brief, Melli Agricultural Chemicals and the Chemical National Koshavarz Company are front companies used to produce precursor chemicals for the Qazvin pesticide plant.

According to 1996 British media reports, Melli Agrochemicals had negotiated a secret deal with India earlier that year to build a sophisticated chemical plant in Iran that could be used to manufacture chemical weapons. The plant would manufacture phosphorous pentasulfide, which could be used to make pesticides or CW agents such as VX. One report said, "[The plant] can also be used to make primitive chemical weapons which could be fitted to ballistic missiles for use against Iran's long-standing enemies, such as Israel." According to the Sunday Telegraph, the Iranians raised the possibility of a chemical plant deal during a state visit to New Delhi by Iranian President Hashemi Rafsanjani last year. The secret deal was believed to be worth more than Pounds Sterling 10 million ($19.59 million).

Additional Information: The director of Melli Agrochemical is Husayn Khadim Muhtaram.

Key Sources: Con Coughlin, "China Helps Iran to Make Nerve Gas," The Sunday Telegraph, 24 May 1998; "Iran Denies Report of Chemical Arms Shipment from China," Agence France-Presse, 27 May 1998; "Japan Hopes to Reverse Trade Nightmare," Iran Brief, Middle East Data Project, Inc., Issue No. 52, 2 November 1998; AAPINTHENEWS, "Chemical Deal Sparks Fears," Courier-Mail, 25 June 1996; International Company Profile, <http://www.icpcredit.com/ReportRequest.asp?sCompanyID=115015>; Iran Chamber of Commerce Industries and Mines Members' Directory, <http://www.iccim.org/Persian/Joint/france/p13.HTM>.

	Updated September 2003