At Tuesday's news conference in the Iranian capital, Tehran, Mehmanparast said his country needs nuclear fuel from the plants to meet its long-term energy needs, to move toward self-sufficiency.

CNN: U.S.: Time running out for Iran

"I think Iran can play a positive role, " Annan said during a news conference with Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi in Tehran.

CNN: Annan: Iran has 'role to play' for Syrian peace

Munich, Germany (CNN) -- Indirect talks over Tehran's nuclear program will resume this month, Iran's foreign minister announced Sunday at a security conference in Germany.

CNN: Iran says it will resume nuclear talks in Kazakhstan