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Iran Demotes Top Nuclear Diplomat in Foreign Ministry Reshuffle

Araghchi may not remain the top negotiator on reviving accord
Hard-liner named as his replacement in deputy ministerial role

Abbas Araghchi — Abbas Araghchi
Photographer: Alex Halada/AFP/Getty Images

By

Yasna Haghdoost and

Golnar Motevalli

September 14, 2021, 9:13 PM UTC

Iran’s top international negotiator, Abbas Araghchi, has been replaced by a hard-line critic of the 2015 nuclear deal as world powers press Tehran and Washington to quickly revive the ailing accord after months of stalled talks.

Ali Bagheri Kani will take over from Araghchi as deputy foreign minister for political affairs effective immediately, following a reshuffle announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement Tuesday. Araghchi will be retained as an adviser to Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian.