Plane spotted in Iran is registered to US bank

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — An airplane that ended up in Iran is registered to a Utah bank under an arrangement that has prompted recent warnings from a government watchdog.

The jet became the subject of international intrigue after the New York Times revealed its presence in Iran. The story carried a picture of the jet, its tail number and a small American flag affixed to the side. Government officials aren't saying how and why the plane traveled to Iran.

Records show the plane is registered to the Bank of Utah through an arrangement in which it serves as a trustee for aircraft owners. A Utah inspector general says such trusts are allowing foreign plane owners to conceal ownership.

A bank vice president says it's aware of the plane in Iran but is not investigating.