Mohammad Javad Zarif, commonly known as Javad Zarif, is an Iranian career diplomat, academic, and politician born on January 7, 1960, in Tehran, Iran. He has been a central figure in Iran's foreign policy for decades, most notably serving as the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2013 to 2021 under President Hassan Rouhani. During this period, Zarif played a pivotal role in negotiating the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the landmark nuclear agreement between Iran and the P5+1 countries (United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, China, and Germany), which limited Iran's nuclear program in exchange for lifting economic sanctions. His diplomatic efforts earned him international recognition for his eloquence and engagement, particularly through his proficient use of English and active social media presence.

Zarif's educational background shaped his expertise in international relations. After completing early education in Iran and briefly studying in the United States during his youth, he pursued higher education at the University of Denver, where he earned a bachelor's degree in 1981, a master's in 1984, and a PhD in 1988, all in international relations. Returning to Iran after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, he joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and held various positions, including deputy minister and permanent representative to the United Nations from 2002 to 2007. He also served as an advisor to Iranian presidents and directed the Institute for Political and International Studies.

In more recent developments, Zarif briefly held the position of Vice President for Strategic Affairs from August 2024 to March 2025 under President Masoud Pezeshkian. Throughout his career, Zarif has navigated complex geopolitical challenges, including U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018 and ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Despite facing criticism from hardline factions in Iran for his perceived moderation, he remains a respected voice in diplomacy, advocating for multilateralism and peaceful resolutions to international disputes.