Javad Zarif is currently associate professor of global studies at University of Tehran and founder and president of Possibilities Architects (PAIAB), a non-governmental think tank / consulting group dedicated to architecting possibilities for inspiring futures. The most recent initiatives of the group include Muslim West Asia Dialogue Association (MWADA) and Middle East Network for Atomic Research and Advancement (MENARAH).  

He received a Ph.D. in international studies from University of Denver in 1988. As a career diplomat, Dr. Zarif served as Iran’s deputy foreign minister (1992-2202), permanent representative to the United Nations (2002-2007) and foreign minister (2013-2021). He briefly served as Iran’s vice president for strategic affairs from 2024 to 2025.  

He has held various high level international positions including Chairman of UN General Assembly legal (6th) Committee (1992-1993), President of UN Disarmament Commission (2000) and Chairman of UNESCO’ Cultural Commission (2007-2009). 

Professor Zarif has written extensively on various topics related to regional and international affairs. His memoires has been a top seller in Iran and has been translated to Arabic. The English version is forthcoming.