Iran's former foreign minister Javad Zarif, who played a pivotal role in negotiating the landmark 2015 nuclear deal, announced on Monday (August 12) that he has resigned as the nation's vice president for strategic affairs.

His resignation comes less than two weeks after his appointment by Iran's newly elected reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:135,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1821}">Why did he resign?</h2>

Javad Zarif took to the social media platform, X, to explain his resignation.&nbsp;

He expressed concerns that his continued presence in the government could be perceived as disruptive.&nbsp;

"To avoid any suspicions or excuses for disrupting the work of the government… I resigned from the position of vice president for strategic affairs last week."

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:294,&quot;w&quot;:696,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1980}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paul-nthenge-mackenzie-self-proclaimed-pastor-behind-kenya-starvation-cult-goes-on-trial-749505">Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, self-proclaimed pastor behind Kenya starvation cult goes on trial</a>

He also expressed disappointment with the composition of the newly proposed 19-member cabinet, particularly the lack of diversity and inclusion of women, youth, and ethnic groups, which he had hoped to see.

"I am ashamed that I could not implement, in a decent way, the expert opinion of the committees (responsible for selecting candidates) and achieve the inclusion of women, youth and ethnic groups, as I had promised," Zarif stated.&nbsp;

Just a day earlier, on Sunday, Pezeshkian presented his cabinet to the parliament for approval — only including one woman.

His dissatisfaction was compounded by the inclusion of conservatives from the previous government of Ebrahim Raisi in the proposed cabinet, a move that drew criticism from Iran's reformist camp.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-arrests-former-isi-chief-faiz-hameed-court-martial-proceedings-initiated-749546">Pakistan army arrests former ISI chief Faiz Hameed; court martial proceedings initiated</a>

Zarif also acknowledged facing pressure due to his children's US citizenship, which conflicts with an Iranian law enacted in October 2022. This law prohibits the appointment of those "who themselves, their children or their spouse have dual citizenship" to sensitive jobs and positions.

In his resignation message, Zarif clarified that his decision was "not a sign of regret or disappointment with dear Dr Pezeshkian or opposition to realism; rather, it means doubting my usefulness as a vice president for strategic affairs."

Zarif served as Iran's top diplomat from 2013 to 2021 under President Hassan Rouhani. He gained international recognition for his role in the negotiations leading to the 2015 nuclear accord, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran's former foreign minister Javad Zarif, who played a pivotal role in negotiating the landmark 2015 nuclear deal, announced on Monday (August 12) that he has resigned as the nation's vice president for strategic affairs.

Iran's former foreign minister Javad Zarif, who played a pivotal role in negotiating the landmark 2015 nuclear deal, announced on Monday (August 12) that he has resigned as the nation's vice president for strategic affairs. His resignation comes less than two weeks after his appointment by Iran's newly elected reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian. Why did he resign? Javad Zarif took to the social media platform, X, to explain his resignation. He expressed concerns that his continued presence in the government could be perceived as disruptive. "To avoid any suspicions or excuses for disrupting the work of the government… I resigned from the position of vice president for strategic affairs last week." Also read | Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, self-proclaimed pastor behind Kenya starvation cult goes on trial He also expressed disappointment with the composition of the newly proposed 19-member cabinet, particularly the lack of diversity and inclusion of women, youth, and ethnic groups, which he had hoped to see. "I am ashamed that I could not implement, in a decent way, the expert opinion of the committees (responsible for selecting candidates) and achieve the inclusion of women, youth and ethnic groups, as I had promised," Zarif stated. Just a day earlier, on Sunday, Pezeshkian presented his cabinet to the parliament for approval — only including one woman. His dissatisfaction was compounded by the inclusion of conservatives from the previous government of Ebrahim Raisi in the proposed cabinet, a move that drew criticism from Iran's reformist camp. Also read | Pakistan army arrests former ISI chief Faiz Hameed; court martial proceedings initiated Zarif also acknowledged facing pressure due to his children's US citizenship, which conflicts with an Iranian law enacted in October 2022. This law prohibits the appointment of those "who themselves, their children or their spouse have dual citizenship" to sensitive jobs and positions. In his resignation message, Zarif clarified that his decision was "not a sign of regret or disappointment with dear Dr Pezeshkian or opposition to realism; rather, it means doubting my usefulness as a vice president for strategic affairs." Zarif served as Iran's top diplomat from 2013 to 2021 under President Hassan Rouhani. He gained international recognition for his role in the negotiations leading to the 2015 nuclear accord, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). (With inputs from agencies)

Iran: Javad Zarif resigns as vice-president over ‘dissatisfaction’, dual citizenship row

The United States on Tuesday (July 30) imposed sanctions on five individuals and seven companies from China and Iran for allegedly supporting Tehran’s missile and drone programs.

The United States on Tuesday (July 30) imposed sanctions on five individuals and seven companies from China and Iran for allegedly supporting Tehran’s missile and drone programs. According to a statement from the US Treasury Department, these sanctions target people and businesses in China, Hong Kong, and Iran that were involved in providing key components to entities affiliated with Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL). The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control stated that those affected by the sanctions acquired "various components, including accelerometers and gyroscopes, which are crucial for Iran’s ballistic missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programs." The Treasury also claimed that one of the sanctioned Iranian companies, Electro Optic Sairan Industries, played a role in developing the Shahed-series UAVs at the Shahed Aviation Industries Research Center. These UAVs, according to the US government agency, are "being used by Russian forces in Ukraine." Treasury Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson said, "Today's action exposes additional key front companies and trusted agents through which Iran has sought to acquire these components." Also read: China alarmed as US tests 'Quicksink' bomb to rein in bellicose PLA Navy In 2007, the US labelled the Iranian Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics as a threat due to its involvement with weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems. This ministry is also said to be linked to Iran's ballistic missile program. “Iran’s reckless proliferation of its ballistic missiles and UAVs risk further instability and endangers civilian lives. The United States will continue to impose costs on those that facilitate Iran’s ability to produce these deadly weapons,” Nelson said. Masoud Pezeshkian sworn in as Iran's president The announcement was made on the same day as Iranian politician Masoud Pezeshkian was sworn in as the country's president. Pezeshkian, a moderate reformist and former heart surgeon, took office after winning a special election following the death of the previous president, Ebrahim Raisi, in May. On Tuesday, Pezeshkian was officially sworn in as Iran's ninth president during a ceremony that saw attendance from international figures, including representatives from groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, and the Houthis. Although Pezeshkian is seen as a more moderate leader, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted in a fireside chat on July 19 that “the supreme leader continues to call the shots.” (With inputs from agencies)

US sanctions China and Iran over Tehran's UAV program as new president Masoud Pezeshkian takes office

Reformist Iranian politician Masoud Pezeshkian will be sworn in as the country's ninth president in early August, the news agency AFP reported on Sunday (July 7) citing Iranian state media.

Reformist Iranian politician Masoud Pezeshkian will be sworn in as the country's ninth president in early August, the news agency AFP reported on Sunday (July 7) citing Iranian state media. "The swearing-in ceremony of the president will be held on August 4 or 5," said Mojtaba Yosefi, a member of parliament's presiding board. Yosefi added that Pezeshkian would have 15 days to present his proposed ministers to the parliament for a vote of confidence. Pezeshkian won against ultraconservative Saeed Jalili Pezeshkian won the presidential runoff election on Friday against the ultraconservative Saeed Jalili to replace president Ebrahim Raisi who died in a helicopter crash in May. Also read | Iran arrests lawyer who criticised crackdown following Mahsa Amini's death Pezeshkian secured more than 16 million votes, around 54 per cent, with Jalili winning more than 13 million, roughly 44 per cent, out of about 30 million votes cast. The turnout in this runoff was 49.8 per cent, up from a record low of about 40 per cent in the first round. The swearing-in ceremony Iranian presidents-elect are required to take an oath before parliament before officially taking office. The swearing-in ceremony of Pezeshkian would take place after he receives an official endorsement from Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. A president is not the head of state, and the ultimate authority rests with the supreme leader- a post held by Khamenei for the last 35 years. (With inputs from agencies)

Masoud Pezeshkian to be sworn in as Iranian president in early August