About Majid Takht-Ravanchi

Majid Takht-Ravanchi is an Iranian diplomat with a long and distinguished career in international relations, particularly in the United Nations and European affairs. Born in 1958, he has held numerous senior positions within Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and at the United Nations, reflecting both his technical expertise and diplomatic acumen[1][2]. Ravanchi earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Kansas in the United States, later obtaining a master’s in international political economy and development from Fordham University and a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Bern, Switzerland[1][2]. Ravanchi’s career began in the late 1980s with roles in the International Organizations Bureau and the United Nations Bureau of Iran’s Foreign Ministry[1][2]. He served as a Counsellor and then as Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative at Iran’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York from 1989 to 1998[1][2]. Subsequently, he was Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein (2002–2006), Adviser and Special Assistant to the Foreign Minister (1998–2002 and 2006–2009), and Deputy Director of the Encyclopaedia of Contemporary Islam (2009–2013)[1][2]. From 2013 to 2017, he was Deputy Foreign Minister for European and American Affairs, during which he played a role in multilateral negotiations on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran’s nuclear deal with world powers[1][3]. He later served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Political Affairs in the Office of the President (2017–2019)[1][3]. In April 2019, Ravanchi became Iran’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, a position he held until 2022[1][3]. In this role, he was a key spokesman for Iran’s foreign policy, particularly regarding nuclear issues and international sanctions[3]. He articulated Iran’s positions during a period of heightened tensions following the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA and the reimposition of sanctions, and engaged directly with international media and diplomatic counterparts to explain Tehran’s stance[3]. As of 2024, Ravanchi is Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, continuing to shape the country’s foreign policy at a senior level[2]. Throughout his career, he has emphasized the importance of diplomats understanding their nation’s history and maintaining a principled yet pragmatic approach to international relations[7]. Ravanchi’s extensive experience across continents and international institutions makes him one of Iran’s most recognizable and influential diplomats on the global stage.

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