“For the first time they will have nuclear material in Fordow,” one diplomatic source said. The step to bring a first cylinder of UF6 to a site is usually taken as part of the final preparatory work before starting production, the source said…

It would be a further sign of the Islamic Republic’s determination to press ahead with a nuclear programme the West fears is geared towards developing atomic weapons but which Iran says is for peaceful purposes only…

Next month the U.N. nuclear watchdog is expected to publish a report that is likely to heighten suspicions that Iran has been carrying out nuclear work with possible military aspects.

Analysts say the findings in the report of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) could bolster the West’s case for imposing additional sanctions on the major oil producer.