US Special Envoy to Iran Stepping Down

Brian Hook, one of the State Department’s lead officials on Iran policy and sanctions, resigned from his role as special representative for Iran and senior adviser to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the agency said Aug. 6. Hook’s position will be filled by Elliott Abrams, who will also continue his role as the State Department’s special representative for Venezuela.

Hook has been heavily involved in the Trump administration’s push to convince the United Nations to renew its arms embargo against Iran and has threatened snapback sanctions if the ban is not extended (see 2006090047). Hook also helped oversee a U.S.-Switzerland trade channel established last year that allowed humanitarian exports to Iran under strict conditions (see 2001300020).