Iran foreign minister Zarif announces resignation

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who was the lead negotiator in the 2015 nuclear deal, announced his resignation on Instagram on Monday.

"I apologise for my inability to continue serving and for all the shortcomings during my term in office," Zarif said in message posted on his verified Instagram account.

Foreign Ministry officials confirmed his resignation to Iranian media outlets. 


Iranian media suggested that Zarif may resign during his trip to India last month, but he denied the possibility. 

The reason for his resignation is not yet clear, however the news comes as Iran's nuclear deal looks set to collapse after the US withdrew from the accord. 

Iranian authorities have recently been preparing to block Instagram, the only major social media platform still available in the country.