Atomic Energy Organization of Iran

The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) is the state agency tasked with overseeing all aspects of the country's nuclear program. It conducts research and development in nuclear science, manages the production of nuclear fuel, and operates research reactors and power‑generation facilities. Among its operational sites are the Bushehr nuclear power plant, which provides electricity to the national grid, and the Tehran Research Reactor used for isotope production and scientific experiments. The organization also handles the enrichment of uranium at facilities such as those in Natanz and Fordow, and the conversion of uranium yellowcake to uranium hexafluoride at the Isfahan Uranium Conversion Facility. Fuel fabrication for civilian reactors is carried out at the Uranium Fuel Fabrication Plant, ensuring a domestic supply of fuel assemblies. In addition to technical work, AEOI is responsible for ensuring that Iran's nuclear activities comply with national regulations and international obligations.

AEOI holds a distinctive position as both the technical executor and the regulatory authority for nuclear matters within Iran. It issues licenses for nuclear installations, oversees safety inspections, and enforces radiation protection standards across its facilities. Its specialization covers the full nuclear fuel cycle, from uranium mining and conversion to enrichment, fuel fabrication, and waste management. This vertical integration allows the organization to maintain control over critical capabilities that are essential for both energy production and scientific research. The agency’s competencies are further highlighted by its role in representing Iran in diplomatic forums concerning nuclear technology, safety standards, and non‑proliferation commitments.

Structurally, AEOI is a government entity that reports directly to the Office of the President of Iran and operates under the auspices of the Iranian state. The organization comprises several subsidiaries and affiliated institutes that handle distinct functions such as reactor operation, fuel production, and scientific research; the breach of a subsidiary’s email server in October 2022 illustrates this subsidiary structure. As a state‑owned body, AEOI’s funding and strategic direction are derived from national budget allocations and policy directives set by the government. The agency has also faced cyber‑security incidents, including the October 2022 breach attributed to the 'Black Reward' group that leaked 27GB of data from a subsidiary’s email server and an earlier October 2022 intrusion amid nationwide protests that targeted its networks. These events underscore the challenges AEOI confronts in protecting its information assets while continuing to fulfill its mandate over Iran’s nuclear endeavors.