Iranian MP Who Repeatedly Threatened, Criticized US Talks, Removed from Post

Iran's parliament removed two senior members of its National Security and Foreign Policy Committee who had sharply criticized negotiations with the US: spokesman Ebrahim Rezaei and deputy chairman Mahmoud Nabavian. The removal was reported on July 14 by opposition outlet Iran International and Iranian television. Rezaei, who belongs to the hardline faction, changed his X profile description after the ouster. The dismissals are seen as a signal of support for the talks.

Iran's parliament has removed two senior members of its National Security and Foreign Policy Committee who had sharply criticized negotiations with the US: committee spokesman Ebrahim Rezaei and deputy chairman Mahmoud Nabavian. The removal was reported on July 14 by the opposition outlet Iran International, a day after parliament resumed its work following a hiatus of more than four months. Rezaei, who belongs to the hardline faction within the leadership, changed his X profile description from "committee spokesman" to "representative of Dashtestan residents and committee member." He continued issuing threats even after his removal, including threats to change the nuclear doctrine and to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Nabavian, who opposed the agreement, criticized the parliament speaker and the foreign minister. According to reports, the dismissals were intended to signal a desire to support the negotiations.