May 04, 2013 08:58 The United States said on Friday that Iran and North Korea were trying to obtain high-tech materials linked to their nuclear programs in violation of UN sanctions.Iran was also sending weapons and ammunition to Syrian government forces despite a ban, said Thomas Countryman, Assistant Secretary for International Security and Nonproliferation.”Both Iran and North Korea have developed channels that enable them to continue to export and continue to procure the items they need for their weapons industry,” he told a news briefing in Geneva.In comments to Reuters, he made clear he was referring to high-tech materials related to nuclear and other programs, including conventional weapons.Iran and North Korea are under UN sanctions banning sales of nuclear, missile and related high-tech material to them as well as the export of any military material, Countryman said. There was a determined international effort to enforce the UN sanctions and prevent such trade, he said.Regarding Iran’s alleged efforts, he said: “Certain Iranian procuring agents in high-tech places like China push very hard.” Asked about any cooperation between Iran and North Korea in nuclear matters, a U.S. official, speaking on condition of not being identified, said: “They have contacts. We are watching…