Iran’s Vice President Zarif Steps Down After Just 11 Days In Office

Iran’s Vice President Mohammad Javad Zarif has stepped down from his position just 11 days after being appointed by President Massud Pezeshkian.

In a statement on his X account, Zarif expressed dissatisfaction with his work and regret for not meeting expectations.

“I am not satisfied with my work and regret that I have not been able to fulfill expectations,” the politician said on his X account.

He suggested that disagreements over the selection of ministers for Pezeshkian’s new cabinet led to his resignation, noting that at least seven out of the 19 ministerial nominees were not his preferred choices.

Zarif’s resignation marks the second major challenge for President Pezeshkian, who only assumed office at the end of July, amidst the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

Zarif had been a key figure in Pezeshkian’s presidential campaign and was instrumental in his victory due to his popularity.

He and a team of experts were tasked with proposing candidates for government positions that would align with the promised reforms.

However, when Pezeshkian unveiled the list of ministers on Sunday, it appeared to diverge from Zarif’s vision and the reformist agenda.

Observers believe that Iran’s hardline conservative faction may have influenced the appointments, imposing certain ministers on Pezeshkian.

Zarif was also a pivotal figure in Pezeshkian’s plan to realign Iran’s foreign policy. As Iran’s foreign minister from 2013 to 2021, Zarif had successfully negotiated the 2015 nuclear deal with six world powers.