US Department of Commerce (DOC) agents have raided the Lexington, Kentucky, headquarters of Clark Material Handling Co, searching for evidence the company violated a trade embargo on Iran.

US newspapers reported the DOC alleges two 2003 shipments of forklift pistons and brakes, valued at USD29,700, were sent by Clark to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where they were exported to Sepahan Lifter Co, in Iran.

According to a DOC affidavit, Sepahan Lifter, which made forklifts under a licence from Clark in the 1970s, makes a machine, containing Clark parts, which can lift boats, vehicles, industrial machinery and military equipment.

The embargo on shipments of US goods to Iran was imposed after the US embassy in Tehran was attacked and its occupants held hostage in 1979.

Clark chief executive Brian Butler said the DOC had laid no charges, and the company was "cooperating fully" since the December 1 raid.

"Clark believes it has operated in accordance with all applicable laws and believes that, at the conclusion of the investigation, the government will conclude that Clark has done nothing improper," he said.

"Sales by Clark are overwhelmingly concentrated in North America, with limited sales to Mexico and South America. Exports outside the Americas are minimal."