Manouchehr Mottaki fired from Iran foreign minister job

Iran’s president has fired Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki in part of a perceived power struggle in Tehran.

Initial reports gave no reason for Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s decision.

There had been no indication that Mr Mottaki, a key figure in Iran’s nuclear negotiations with the West, was about to lose his job.

Mr Ahmadinejad has appointed the country’s top nuclear official, Ali Akbar Salehi, to replace Mr Mottaki in a caretaker capacity.

“I appreciate your diligence and services as the foreign minister,” said Mr Ahmadinejad in a letter to Mr Mottaki, Mehr news agency reported.

Mr Mottaki, who is currently in Senegal on an official visit, was appointed foreign minister in 2005.