News

An alleged Belgian arms dealer has pleaded guilty to conspiring to illegally export jet engines and parts from the US to Iran, officials say.

The suspect, Jacques Monsieur, now faces a maximum prison sentence of six years and a $250,000 (£150,000) fine.

Mr Monsieur, a resident of France, was arrested in August in New York.

Court documents say he is an experienced arms dealer who was actively seeking weapons for the government of Iran.

After his arrest Mr Monsieur was charged with violating the arms control act, smuggling, money-laundering and conspiracy.

Some of the charges can carry maximum sentences of 20 years in jail.