PARIS (AP)  A former Iranian diplomat who defected to the West this year says he saw North Korean technicians "repeatedly" travel to Iran, which Western officials fear is trying to develop nuclear weapons.

Mohammad Reza Heydari, who resigned in January from his post as Iranian consul in Norway, said he's "certain" the cooperation is continuing between his home country and North Korea.

The comments come amid international concerns that North Korea could be actively engaged with Iran in exporting weapons systems and possible nuclear expertise.

Heydari spoke Tuesday at a conference in Paris, where he was promoting his efforts to unite international opposition against Iran.

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