GENEVA (Reuters) - Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Tuesday urged diplomats and other employees at the foreign ministry not to quit, a day after he announced his resignation, the Islamic Republic News Agency reported.

“I emphasize to all dear brothers and sisters in the foreign ministry and representative offices to continue their duties in defense of the country with strength and to avoid such actions,” Zarif said in reaction to news that ministry employees may be quitting after his resignation, IRNA reported.

“It has been an honor to work beside you. And I hope that my resignation will lead to a return of the ministry of foreign affairs to it’s legal place in foreign relations. I thank you all,” Zarif said.

President Hassan Rouhani has not formally accepted the resignation which Zarif announced on Monday on Instagram.