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

Further, Brazil and Turkey's agreement with Iran on processing its nuclear fuel only provided cover for Iran's nuclear-weapons program.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: American weakness on display

"I just can't stand this mess, " he remarked early this year when the state-owned Power Reactor and Nuclear Fuel Development Corp. failed to prevent a serious accident at a nuclear waste-processing plant near Tokyo.

CNN: MAN 'WITH A FACE'