Last night we received a regrettable news regarding the death of the founder of the “Atomic Energy Organization of Iran”. Although no one can put the facts of life under question, however, keeping in memories, the name of those individuals who have tried to do their best for humankind and their national patriots is a media duty. “Dr. Akbar Etemaad” was one of these individuals, that passed away last night in Parice, France.
Due to vast reactions of national and international media, we prefer to re-publish two reports, one about his biography from Wikipedia and the 2nd from the Iranian “Tehran Times” newspaper.
According to Wikipedia:
Akbar Etemad (Persian: اکبر اعتماد; 3 February 1930 – 11 April 2025) was the president of the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran from 1974 to 1978.[1][2] He was popularly called the father of Iran’s nuclear program.[3]
After the 1979 Iranian Revolution, he left Iran and established office in Paris and worked there as a nuclear energy consultant. As of 2009, he was the co-chair of Iranians for Peace.[2] He died in Paris in 2025, peacefully taken care of at Léopold-Bellan Hospital.[4]
The report of “Tehran Times” writes:
His death marks the end of an era for a man often referred to as the “father of nuclear technology in Iran.”
Etemad’s journey began with his studies in electrical engineering at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland, where he later earned his doctorate. His expertise led him to work at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology’s Atomic Research Center, where he conducted significant research that would shape his future contributions to Iran’s nuclear program.
In 1965, Etemad returned to Iran and was appointed as a technical advisor for a nuclear reactor research project. By 1966, he had established the Atomic Energy Office within the Organization for Planning and Budget and was named its manager. His vision culminated in 1974 when he became the first president of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), a position he held until the Islamic Revolution in 1979.
Throughout his career, Etemad was a staunch advocate for Iran’s right to access nuclear energy, emphasizing its necessity for the country’s development. He voiced concerns about Western powers’ intentions and the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency, consistently calling for a principled approach to Iran’s peaceful nuclear activities.
Etemad spent his final years in France, where he passed away. The former head of the AEOI, Ali Akbar Salehi, issued a message on Friday, offering condolences over his demise. “Dr. Etemad, with his foresight, sincerity, and unparalleled honesty, laid such a strong foundation in the nuclear industry and technology that now our beloved country, Iran, proudly and powerfully advances this invaluable legacy,” Salehi wrote.
