Ambassador Ali Asghar Soltanieh
Iranian ambassador to the IAEA until 2013

During the last thirty five years Amb. Soltanieh has been involved in scientific and diplomatic activities, as a nuclear physicist and senior diplomat. He has been involved in issues of WMD non-proliferation and disarmament, international security, including all together 12 years as Ambassador and representative to the IAEA since 1982, three years as Secretary of National Authority for Chemical Weapons Convention, and three years as Chief Negotiator for Biological Weapons Convention in Geneva until 2002. He has followed the issue of Nuclear Weapon Free Zone in the Middle East as well as nuclear safety, nuclear security, and safeguards for the last three decades. He has participated, in the capacity of special envoy, delegate, chief negotiator, and invited speaker, in numerous (over 180) international events on nuclear science & technology as well as WMD disarmament and international security all over the world. He has also taught (and continues to teach) at several universities inside and outside of Iran.