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Iran to resume more nuclear work
 ElBaradei acknowledges the right of Iran "to the peaceful use of nuclear technology." TEHRAN, Iran (CNN) -- Iran will restart its nuclear research program to put idle atomic researchers back to work, the deputy head of the Iran Atomic Energy Organization said Tuesday on state-run television. Mohammad Saieedi said Iran's suspension of its research program was never intended to be permanent. He did not give a date for the resumption of work, but a statement from the IAEA -- the United Nations' nuclear watchdog group -- said the Iranian mission at the U.N. informed the group it would resume its activities January 9. "The secretariat is in the process of seeking clarification from Iran as to the implications of their decision," said a statement from the IAEA. Iran's nuclear programs are a source of contention with the West -- Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Sunday rejected a Russian offer to produce nuclear fuel in its plants for Iran, the latest effort to resolve a diplomatic impasse over Tehran's nuclear program. Iran's hard-line conservative government insists it has the right to restart nuclear facilities and enrich uranium for the production of nuclear energy, despite fears by some other nations -- including the United States -- that Tehran's true goal is to produce nuclear weapons. "Frankly, the patience of the international community is not infinite on this issue," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack told reporters. "Iran is trying to pursue nuclear weapons under the cover of a peaceful nuclear program. We do not think that should be allowed to happen." Should Iran take any further enrichment-related steps, "the international community will have to take additional measures to contain Iran's nuclear ambitions," he said. The IAEA statement said Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei, the director general, acknowledges the right of Iran "to the peaceful use of nuclear technology." "However, he continues to call on Iran to take the steps the IAEA requires to resolve outstanding issues regarding the nature of Iran's nuclear program," the statement said. "In the meantime, Dr. ElBaradei also calls on Iran to take voluntary measures to build confidence, and enable the resumption of dialogue with all concerned parties," the IAEA statement added, referring to the talks with France, Britain and Germany on Iran's nuclear activities that were halted last year. -- Journalist Shirzad Bozorgmehr contributed to this report 
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