AKIPRESS.COM - Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif stepped down on Monday, announcing his resignation on Instagram, Al Jazeerareports.

"I am apologising you for all the shortcomings ... in the past years during my time as foreign minister ... I thank the Iranian nation and officials," he wrote on his Instagram page.

There was no immediate reason giving for the resignation, which can only take effect if President Hassan Rouhani accepts it.

Iran's state-run IRNA news agency cited a spokesman, Abbas Mousavi, confirming Zarif had resigned.

Zarif was appointed minister of foreign affairs in August 2013.