Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday refused to accept the resignation of Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.
"Your appeal for resignation is against the country's expediency. Therefore, I do not accept it," Rouhani said in response to an earlier resignation letter by Zarif, official IRNA news agency reported.
In his Instagram message released on Monday, Zarif announced his resignation, saying "thanks for the great and brave Iranians and my colleagues, but I apologize for my failure to serve you and some flaws in my work".
Zarif, who played a key role in the 2015 nuclear deal aimed at reining in Iran's nuclear programme, did not give a reason why he was stepping down. He has served as Foreign Minister since 2013.
Rouhani described Zarif as a "trustable, brave and pious" person and an official who has always been at the "frontline of resistance against the US pressures".
--IANS
soni/
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
