Envoy to UN Named

Veteran diplomat Majid Takht-Ravanchi has been appointed as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, the Foreign Ministry announced.   
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi said on Tuesday President Hassan Rouhani has approved a proposal by Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif to appoint Takht-Ravanchi as the envoy to the world body, ISNA reported. 
Takht-Ravanchi, who is now the deputy presidential chief of staff for political affairs, had earlier served as the Iranian ambassador to Switzerland, deputy foreign minister for European and American affairs and special aide to the foreign minister.
He was also a senior member of the team holding talks with the six major powers, which culminated in the landmark nuclear accord in 2015.
The western-educated diplomat is to replace Gholamali Khoshroo, whose term came to an end last year due to a law that banned retirees from assuming public office.