Iranian President Masoud Bazeshkian has officially accepted the resignation of Mohammad Javad Zarif, his Vice President for Strategic Affairs and former Foreign Minister, according to a statement released by the Iranian presidency on Wednesday.

Bazeshkian expressed his gratitude in the statement, saying: “Now that certain constraints have prevented us from benefiting from your profound knowledge and experience in this role, I extend my sincere appreciation for your dedicated and responsible efforts.”

Zarif announced his resignation earlier this month, attributing the decision to a recommendation by Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, who advised him to step down to avoid putting additional pressure on the government.

Zarif, widely recognized as one of the chief architects of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, leaves the government amid growing political tensions. His resignation followed just hours after the parliament dismissed Economy Minister Abdolnaser Hemmati.