Press TV - Iranian President Hassan Rouhani officially rejects the resignation of Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, saying it runs contrary to national interests.

In a letter addressed to Zarif on Wednesday, Rouhani said that the top Iranian diplomat has been standing on the frontline of resistance against the US�s pressure campaign against the Iranian nation.

�I consider accepting your resignation against the country�s interests and do not approve it,� Rouhani told Zarif, who had taken to his Instagram account on Monday night to announce his unexpected resignation.

Rouhani further highlighted the expressions of happiness by the �sworn enemies� of Iran, such as the Israeli regime, over Zarif�s intention to step down, saying this serves as the �best evidence� for the top diplomat�s success in performing his duties and the �main reason� for the foreign minister to stay in office.

�You are trusted by myself and the whole Islamic establishment, especially Leader of the Islamic Revolution [Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei]. You should continue on your path with strength, courage and wisdom because God stands by his righteous servants.�

Zarif thanks nation, returns to duty

In response, Zarif , in another Instagarm post, thanked the Iranian nation, elites and officials for their unwavering support in the wake of his announcement.

�As a modest servant, I have had no concern but elevating foreign policy and the status of the Foreign Ministry as the person in charge of advancing the foreign policy on the frontline of defending national interests and the respected Iranian people�s rights in the international arena,� he added.

He also expressed hope that the ministry under his watch could successfully fulfill its responsibilities with everyone�s help and under Ayatollah Khamenei�s supervision within the framework of the country�s Constitution and the Islamic establishment�s fundamental policies.

Zarif then attended a ceremony to welcome Armenia�s prime minister to Tehran on Wednesday, soon after the president rejected his resignation

Gen. Soleimnai: Zarif has backing of Leader, top officials

Separately on Wednesday, Major General Qassem Soleimani said Zarif has the backing of by senior Iranian officials, especially the Leader.

General Soleimani, who commands the Quds Force of Iran�s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), further described the top Iranian diplomat as the person in charge of the country�s foreign policy.

�Certainly, Mr. Zarif is responsible for the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran and during his tenure at our country�s Foreign Ministry,� he said.

�He has taken valuable steps towards preserving national interests at different levels and cooperated in the fight against the sworn enemies of the Islamic Revolution and the Iranian nation,� the commander said.