TEHRAN – Iran’s former foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who played a key role in negotiating the landmark 2015 nuclear deal, has resigned from his position as vice-president, state media reported today.
According to the official Irna news agency, Zarif’s resignation letter was submitted to President Masoud Pezeshkian, who has yet to respond. In a post on X, Zarif revealed that he had faced “horrible insults, slander, and threats” against himself and his family, making this the most difficult period of his 40-year career.
“To avoid further pressure on the government, the head of the judiciary recommended that I resign, and I accepted immediately,” he stated.
Pezeshkian, who assumed office in July, initially appointed Zarif as vice-president for strategic affairs on August 1. However, Zarif resigned less than two weeks later before eventually returning to the post later that month.
Serving as Iran’s top diplomat from 2013 to 2021 under moderate president Hassan Rouhani, Zarif gained international recognition for his role in negotiating the 2015 nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).