Iran has reappointed Mohammad Eslami, a 67-year-old US-educated official previously sanctioned by the United Nations, as the head of its nuclear department under President Masoud Pezeshkian. Eslami's return comes amid ongoing heavy sanctions from the West following the collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal, which had provided Iran with relief in exchange for limiting its nuclear activities. He has a controversial history, having been sanctioned in 2008 for his involvement in Iran's nuclear proliferation efforts when he served in various military and governmental roles, including as deputy defense minister. Pezeshkian, during his campaign, expressed intentions to revive the nuclear agreement, which has faced criticism from the US and European powers for Iran's alleged non-compliance. Eslami will continue to oversee Iran's civilian nuclear program and has insisted that the program is peaceful, aimed at electricity generation and medical applications. Despite the sanctions, his political position reflects Iran's commitment to its nuclear ambitions amidst international scrutiny.