Iran's newly-elected president has reappointed a U.S.-educated official, Mohammad Eslami, to head the country's nuclear department, as reported by state TV. Eslami, 67, will continue to lead Iran's civilian nuclear program and serve as one of several vice presidents. This decision comes amidst Iran facing heavy sanctions from the West following the collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal that aimed to curb Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.
President Masoud Pezeshkian, who had pledged to revive the nuclear deal during his campaign, made the decision to retain Eslami in his position. Eslami was previously sanctioned by the United Nations in 2008 for his involvement in Iran's sensitive nuclear activities and development of nuclear weapon delivery systems while heading Iran's Defense Industries Training and Research Institute.
Eslami, who holds degrees in civil engineering from Detroit University of Michigan and the University of Toledo, Ohio, has a background in Iran's military industries. He previously served as the Transport and Urban Development Minister during former President Hassan Rouhani's term and as deputy defense minister responsible for research and industry.
The U.S., France, Britain, and Germany have accused Iran of exceeding the limits set by the 2015 nuclear deal and failing to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency. In response, Iran has maintained that its nuclear program is peaceful, aimed at electricity generation and cancer treatment, and is under constant IAEA oversight.
Iran is currently constructing two nuclear power facilities to complement its existing 1,000-megawatt reactor in Bushehr, which became operational in 2011 with Russian assistance. As part of its energy goals, Iran aims to achieve a nuclear electric capacity of 20,000 megawatts. The country has recently experienced widespread power outages, adding to the challenges it faces in its energy sector.
