When Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif traveled to Norway and Germany to meet European and American officials last week, many Iran observers were surprised to see Foreign Ministry spokesman Hossein Jaberi Ansari in photos of the meetings. Then, on June 19, it became clear why Ansari had been so visible when it was announced that Ansari had been appointed deputy foreign minister for Arab and African affairs.

Ansari succeeded Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, a well-known diplomat fluent in Arabic and English who had held the position since 2011. No reason was given for Ansari’s quick promotion — he had only been appointed spokesman in October.

Many conservative sites and newspapers appeared surprised by the sudden change.

Conservative Mashregh News wrote that Abdollahian is “the perfect example of a revolutionary diplomat” and that Iran needs more diplomats like him so that the country “is not taken for a ride at the negotiation table.” The glowing profile of Abdollahian questioned why he was removed when “for the first time diplomatic discussions on Syria and Yemen have become serious.”