Iran Appoints New Atomic Energy Chief With No Nuclear Expertise

Radio Free Europe- Aug 30th, 2021

Iran’s newly elected President Ebrahim Raisi has appointed a new head of the country’s atomic agency, replacing the nation’s most prominent nuclear scientist with someone with no expertise in the field.

State media reported on August 29 that Mohammad Eslami, who previously served as housing and transport minister, will lead the civilian Atomic Energy Organization of Iran.

He replaces U.S. educated scientist Ali Akbar Salehi, a former foreign minister and longtime head of the atomic agency who played a crucial role in diplomacy that led to the now-moribund 2015 nuclear accord with world powers.

Under the nuclear accord, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Tehran committed to limits on its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. In response to former U.S. President Donald Trump trashing the deal, Iran gradually breached restrictions on its nuclear program, including uranium enrichment.