Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Tuesday that his resignation was a ‘nudge’ to bring the foreign ministry back to its rightful place, Mehr agency reported.

In response to the statement by diplomats and foreign ministry staff that they are going to step down as well if Zarif’s resignation comes to force, he asked colleagues to “follow up their duties in defense of the country with all strength, and strictly avoid taking such measures [resigning]”.

Zarif went on to voice hope that his resignation would serve as a ‘nudge’ to return the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to its rightful place in foreign relations.

Zarif announced his resignation on Instagram on Monday, but his request has to be approved by Hassan Rouhani.