Post-Ministry Role and Current Position
After stepping down as Foreign Minister in 2021, Zarif remained active in academia and political analysis. He became a visiting professor at the University of Tehran and the School of International Relations, where he taught diplomacy and international relations. In August 2024, he was appointed Vice President for Strategic Affairs, a position that allows him to continue influencing Iran’s foreign and domestic policies.
Influence and Legacy
Zarif is widely regarded as a highly skilled diplomat with a deep understanding of international law and geopolitics. His ability to engage with Western officials and articulate Iran’s positions in international forums has set him apart as a prominent figure in Iranian diplomacy. Despite facing criticism from both domestic hardliners and international opponents, his efforts in negotiating the JCPOA remain a landmark achievement in Iran’s diplomatic history.
His legacy is complex—while many view him as a pragmatic diplomat who sought to improve Iran’s global standing, others see him as a figure constrained by Iran’s rigid political structure. His career reflects the challenges and nuances of Iranian diplomacy, balancing ideological commitments with strategic negotiations on the world stage.