Iran’s Vice President Mohammad Javad Zarif unexpectedly resigned from his position on Monday, just 11 days after joining President Massud Pezeshkian’s cabinet.
In a statement posted on his X account, Zarif expressed dissatisfaction with his role, stating, “I am not satisfied with my work and regret that I have not been able to fulfil expectations.”
Zarif’s resignation is reportedly linked to disagreements over the selection of ministers for Pezeshkian’s new cabinet.
Zarif, Iran’s former foreign minister, hinted that disagreements over the selection of ministers had led to his decision.
According to DW, Zarif noted that at least seven of the 19 ministers nominated were not his first choice.
This development marks the second major crisis for President Pezeshkian since he assumed office at the end of July, following the assassination of Palestinian militant leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
Zarif, who served as Iran’s chief diplomat from 2013 to 2021 and played a crucial role in negotiating the 2015 international nuclear agreement, was a key figure in Pezeshkian’s presidential campaign.
His popularity and experience were expected to be instrumental in the new administration’s efforts to resume nuclear negotiations and alleviate the crippling economic sanctions on Iran.
However, the current situation suggests that internal pressures, possibly from Iran’s hardline arch-conservative faction, influenced the final composition of the cabinet, leading to Zarif’s abrupt departure.
His resignation raises questions about the future direction of Pezeshkian’s government and its ability to implement promised reforms.
Observers are closely watching how President Pezeshkian will navigate this setback as his administration seeks to stabilise and pursue its policy objectives.
