Iran's Deputy President for Strategic Affairs, Javad Zarif, announced his resignation on Monday after a prolonged legal dispute over his appointment.
In a post on X, the former foreign minister said he had worked with dedication in President Masoud Pezeshkian's government but faced "vile insults, slanders, and threats" over the past six months. Calling it the "most bitter" period of his 40-year career, he cited controversy over his appointment, as critics argued it violated the Constitution due to his US-born children.
Zarif, who played a key role in the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, said he had long endured accusations while serving national interests. Invited by the judiciary chief, he was advised to return to academia to ease pressure on the government.
"I hope that with my departure, obstacles to the people's will and the government's success will be removed," Zarif said.
Under heavy pressure from conservative circles, Zarif had previously dismissed speculation about his resignation. The president’s office has not commented yet, but sources suggest the resignation will be accepted.
Meanwhile, Economy Minister Abdolnasser Hemmati was impeached by parliament on Sunday amid economic struggles and a weakening rial.
The United States imposed sanctions on Thursday on Iran's Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad and some Hong Kong-flagged vessels that are part of a shadow fleet that helps disguise Iranian oil shipments, the Treasury Department said.
Senior diplomats from Iran, Russia, and China gathered in Beijing on Friday for discussions on Tehran's nuclear programme, following Iran's rejection of U.S. "orders" to resume talks over the issue.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has not ruled out negotiations with the US but insists they must be on equal footing. He warned that talks under pressure would be futile, as Supreme Leader Khamenei reiterated that negotiations with Washington would only worsen sanctions.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday rejected holding negotiations with the United States over a nuclear deal, as a letter was delivered from U.S. President Donald Trump calling for such talks.
The US has upheld Iraq's waiver for Iranian gas imports but revoked its power import exemption. The decision poses challenges for Iraq's energy sector, which relies heavily on Iranian gas. The US urges Iraq to diversify energy sources and reduce dependence on Iran.
Demonstrators in Mexico City urged the government to investigate a mass grave site in Jalisco.
An Israeli airstrike on Beit Lahiya killed 9 Palestinians as Hamas holds ceasefire talks in Cairo.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an order cutting funding to Voice of America’s parent agency, forcing staff out.
Crowds in Aleppo and Damascus celebrated 14 years since the Syrian uprising that ousted Bashar al-Assad.
U.S. airstrikes on Yemen’s capital killed nine civilians as President Trump vowed to pressure Houthi rebels to halt maritime attacks.
XPeng Motors plans to mass-produce flying cars by 2026, becoming the first company globally to do so. CEO He Xiaopeng also highlighted advancements in autonomous driving and humanoid robotics as part of the company’s future tech initiatives.
World leaders welcomed the 30-day ceasefire proposal that Ukraine has agreed to, calling it a step toward ending the conflict with Russia.
In Tuesday’s closely watched parliamentary election, Greenland’s pro-business opposition Demokraatit party took a commanding lead after over 90% of the ballots were counted.
Regarding the Armenia-Azerbaijan process, we cannot forget the years of occupation, and we will not forget them, President Ilham Aliyev said in his speech at the opening ceremony of the 12th Global Baku Forum.
BioNTech forecasts a revenue decline for 2025, expecting between 1.7 billion and 2.2 billion euros, down from 2.75 billion euros last year. This drop is due to Pfizer write-downs and stable vaccination rates. BioNTech also plans significant job cuts and new hires.
Azerbaijan has officially joined the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation following President Ilham Aliyev’s approval. The move, backed by D-8 leaders at the Cairo Summit, strengthens Azerbaijan’s global economic ties and aligns with the bloc’s mission.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has briefed Russian President Vladimir Putin on a finalised draft peace agreement with Azerbaijan in a phone call with Vladimir Putin. Kremlin said on that Friday conversation was initiated by the Armenian side.
The United States has proposed a "bridge" plan to extend the ceasefire in Gaza through April, aiming to facilitate negotiations for a permanent halt to hostilities and ensure the release of U.S.-Israeli citizen Edan Alexander.
Demonstrators in Mexico City urged the government to investigate a mass grave site in Jalisco.
An Israeli airstrike on Beit Lahiya killed 9 Palestinians as Hamas holds ceasefire talks in Cairo.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an order cutting funding to Voice of America’s parent agency, forcing staff out.
Crowds in Aleppo and Damascus celebrated 14 years since the Syrian uprising that ousted Bashar al-Assad.
U.S. airstrikes on Yemen’s capital killed nine civilians as President Trump vowed to pressure Houthi rebels to halt maritime attacks.
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