Early Diplomatic Career
In 1982, four years after the Iranian Revolution, Zarif was appointed as a member of the Iranian delegation to the United Nations, primarily due to his fluency in English and his connections in the United States rather than formal diplomatic training. During this period, he played a role in behind-the-scenes diplomacy, including efforts related to the release of U.S. hostages held by pro-Iranian groups in Lebanon. According to former United Nations envoy Giandomenico Picco, Zarif was dedicated to fostering better Iran-U.S. relations, even when the U.S. did not reciprocate with goodwill gestures.
Permanent Representative to the UN (2002–2007)
From 2002 to 2007, Zarif served as Iran’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, a critical position during a time of heightened tensions between Iran and the West. During his tenure, he was involved in numerous diplomatic efforts aimed at mitigating international concerns over Iran’s nuclear program. His tenure at the UN was marked by his skilled diplomacy and engagement with Western officials, which helped Iran navigate complex international relations.