Mohammad Javad Zarif, a prominent figure in Iranian diplomacy and former Foreign Minister, has reportedly resigned from his position as Deputy Foreign Minister. The announcement made late Sunday.
Zarif, widely recognized for negotiating the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal with world powers, cited mounting pressure and internal disagreements as key reasons for his departure.
The timing of Zarif’s exit comes amid renewed efforts to revive nuclear negotiations with Western powers, a process he has long championed. Talks held in Geneva in January 2025 between Iran and European nations—Britain, France, and Germany—were described as “serious, frank, and constructive” by Araqchi, hinting at a possible breakthrough. Zarif’s departure could signal internal resistance to these diplomatic overtures, particularly from conservative factions critical of his pro-negotiation stance.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Javad Zarif Resigns Amid Political Pressure
