Iran named Reza Najafi as its new ambassador and permanent representative to several international organizations based in Vienna, such as the United Nations’ nuclear inspector, local media said.
Najafi will replace Mohsen Naziri-Asl, who has held the role since 2022, according to the ISNA news agency. A former deputy foreign minister, Najafi previously served in this position from 2013 to 2018, a period marked by the signing of the landmark nuclear deal between Iran, the United States, and world powers.
Return of Reza Najafi Comes Amid JCPOA Uncertainty
The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) imposed limitations on the nuclear program of Iran in return for sanctions relief. The agreement dissolved when the United States pulled out in 2018 under the presidency of Donald Trump, reimposing tough sanctions on Iran under his “maximum pressure” campaign.
While Tehran initially lived up to the agreement, it started backtracking on its promises a year following the US withdrawal. With Trump back in the White House in January 2025, the tensions have continued to rise since he has brought back sanctions on Iran for its suspected pursuit of nuclear weapons capacity—a charge which Iran has consistently refuted.
Last month, the UN atomic agency chief Rafael Grossi raised concerns about Iran’s nuclear activities.
“Iran is enriching (uranium) at 60 percent, so nearly weapon level,” Grossi said, referring to the 2015 agreement as an ’empty shell’ that was no longer suitable for purpose.
Trump Demands New Deal, But Iran Stands Firm
Even though Trump recently called for a new nuclear deal with Iran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected the notion, saying, “no problem will be solved by negotiating with America.”
With Reza Najafi back in his seat, Iran’s nuclear diplomacy is at a turning point, as tensions with the US and world powers keep escalating.