Tehran – Akbar Etemad, a prominent figure in Iran’s nuclear history and the first head of Iran’s atomic energy organization, passed away at the age of 95.
His death marks the end of the era of someone who is often referred to as “the father of Iran’s nuclear technology.”
Etemad’s journey began with his studies in electrical engineering at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, and later earned his Ph.D. His expertise led him to work at the Atomic Research Centre at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, conducting important research that shapes future contributions to Iran’s nuclear program.
In 1965, Etemad returned to Iran and was appointed technical advisor to the nuclear reactor research project. By 1966 he had established the Atomic Energy Office for planning and budgeting, and was appointed its manager. His vision reached its peak in 1974, when he became the first president of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization (AEOI).
Throughout his career, Etemad was a champion who praised Iran’s right to access nuclear energy, and emphasized the country’s need for development. He expresses concerns about the Western intentions and the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and calls for a consistent principled approach to Iran’s peaceful nuclear activity.
Etemad spent his last year in France, where he died. Aeoi’s former head of Ali Akbar Salehi issued a message on Friday, expressing his sadness at his end. “With his foresight, integrity and unparalleled integrity, Dr. Etemad has laid such a strong foundation in the nuclear industry and technology, and has proudly and powerfully advanced this irreplaceable legacy by Iran, now our beloved country,” writes Salehi.