News 13-08-2024

Javad Zarif has resigned from his position as vice president, expressing dissatisfaction with the newly formed Cabinet. This marks the second major challenge for recently elected President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Mohammad Javad Zarif, who served as Iran’s vice president, has stepped down just 11 days after his appointment, creating a significant void in President Masoud Pezeshkian’s Cabinet.

In a post on the social media platform X, Zarif, a moderate political figure, stated, “I am not pleased with my performance and regret that I was unable to meet expectations.”

Zarif, who previously held the position of Iran’s foreign minister, suggested that his resignation was prompted by disagreements over the selection of ministers for Pezeshkian’s new Cabinet. He revealed that at least seven of the 19 nominated ministers were not his preferred candidates.

Candidates Fall Short of Reform Promises

Zarif expressed regret, stating, “I am ashamed that I could not effectively implement the expert recommendations of the committees responsible for candidate selection and achieve the inclusion of women, youth, and ethnic groups as I had promised.”

Zarif also mentioned facing scrutiny due to the U.S. citizenship of his children, which added pressure following his appointment as vice president.

“My message is not an expression of regret or disappointment with Dr. Pezeshkian or opposition to realism; rather, it reflects my doubts about my effectiveness as vice president for strategic affairs,” Zarif explained. He added that he plans to return to academia and reduce his involvement in Iran’s domestic politics.

This resignation marks the second significant issue Pezeshkian has encountered since taking office, following the recent killing of Palestinian militant leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

Zarif’s Influence in Pezeshkian’s Administration

Zarif played a crucial role in Pezeshkian’s presidential campaign, serving as his close advisor and contributing significantly to Pezeshkian’s electoral success due to his popularity.

As a key figure in shaping the president’s foreign policy, Zarif was instrumental in Pezeshkian’s plans to reinvigorate nuclear negotiations in hopes of lifting the sanctions that have severely impacted Iran’s economy. Zarif, who served as Iran’s top diplomat from 2013 to 2021, was central to the 2015 nuclear agreement with six world powers, a landmark deal achieved under his leadership.