So far, Tehran has not restarted work on the most sensitive part of the nuclear fuel cycle, uranium enrichment a process that can be used to make either fuel for reactors or nuclear warheads.

ECONOMIST: No appetite for carrots, no fear of sticks | The

The BBC's diplomatic correspondent, Jonathan Marcus, says the exploitation of these mines underscores Tehran's determination to master and operate the full scope of the nuclear fuel cycle from uranium extraction, processing, enrichment and ultimately the manufacture of nuclear fuel.

BBC: Iran unveils uranium activities at Saghand and Ardakan

Last Sunday, the head of Israel's military intelligence reported that Iran has mastered the nuclear fuel cycle and can rapidly move from low-grade uranium enrichment to weapons-grade uranium enrichment.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Washington has abandoned its obligations

And the Russians said, well all right, if the Iranians want to possess the whole, what's called the nuclear fuel cycle, that is, to have a guaranteed stream of nuclear fuel for power plants, which involves enriching uranium, we'll do it in conjunction with Iran, but in Russia.

NPR: Iran's Response to International Pressure over Nukes