Iran's Zarif Resigns As Vice President Just Days After Appointment

Mohammad Javad Zarif (left) was chosen by Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian to be his deputy.

Former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif announced on August 12 he had resigned from his new position as vice president last week. In a post on X, Zarif cited several reasons for his resignation, including facing pressure after his appointment because his children hold U.S. citizenship. The resignation comes less than two weeks after newly elected reformist President Masud Pezeshkian chose Zarif as his deputy. Zarif, who negotiated the landmark 2015 nuclear deal with major world powers, said he plans to return to academia and focus less on domestic politics. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Radio Farda, click here.