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reutersWASHINGTON, July 9 (Reuters) - Iran has made only "modest" progress in its nuclear program because of U.N. sanctions, a senior U.S. official said on Wednesday, while also warning the costs would be high to Tehran if it continued on its current course.
"While Iran seeks to create the perception of advancement in its nuclear program, real progress has been more modest," U.S. Under Secretary of State for political affairs William Burns said in prepared testimony to a House of Representatives panel, adding that pressure would intensify on Tehran.
"It is apparent that Iran has not yet perfected enrichment (of uranium), and as a direct result of UN sanctions, Iran's ability to procure technology or items of significance to its missile programs, even dual-use items, is being impaired," he added.
Moreover, he said key individuals involved in Iran's procurement activities had been cut off from the international financial system by sanctions, and restricted from travel.
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