Hassan Rowhani said authorities had yet to reach an agreement with three private sector production facilities involved in making centrifuge parts for them to halt their work in line with a pledge to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

"As long as there is no accord on compensation for them stopping production, production will continue," the head of the regime's Supreme National Security Council told reporters.

In a report released to diplomats Tuesday by IAEA chief Mohamed ElBaradei ahead of a key meeting on Iran's nuclear programme, Iran was criticised for continuing centrifuge production despite Tehran's claim that it has suspended uranium enrichment and related activities.

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