UAE restricts lax Iran trade

Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has long been a key conduit through which Iran circumvents UN sanctions to receive unscreened imports, including many deemed illicit by international law.

Trade between the UAE and Iran was valued at $12bn in 2009.

But as western countries push for tougher sanctions over Iran’s nuclear programme, thousands of Iranian bussinesses in the UAE are facing increased scrutiny and restrictions in a UAE crackdown on the illegal trade activity.

Al Jazeera’s Dan Nolan reports from Dubai.