Iran names new nuclear chief

Iran’s official Irna news agency said President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has appointed a new chief for the country’s nuclear programme.

Today’s report said Ali Akbar Salehi, Iran’s former envoy to the International Atomic Energy Agency, has replaced his veteran predecessor, Gholam Reza Aghazadeh.

Officials gave no reason for Mr Aghazadeh’s resignation, but he has long been close to reformist opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi, who claims to be the victor in June 12 presidential elections.

The replacement is not expected to bring any change in the nuclear policy.

In his 12 years on the job, Mr Aghazadeh pushed steadily ahead with the nuclear programme, which the West fears is aimed at developing a weapon. Iran denies that charge.