Mohammad-Javad-Zarif

In a surprising turn of events, Iran’s Vice President, Mohammad Javad Zarif, has tendered his resignation just 11 days into his tenure. The moderate politician cited dissatisfaction with his work and the inability to fulfill expectations as the primary reasons for stepping down.

Zarif, a former Foreign Minister who negotiated the landmark nuclear deal with world powers in 2015, expressed regret that he had not been able to implement promised reforms. His decision was influenced by disagreements over the selection of ministers for President Masoud Pezeshkian’s new Cabinet. At least seven of the 19 nominated ministers were not Zarif’s first choice, leading to his decision to resign.

President Pezeshkian, who assumed office at the end of July, faced criticism from Iran’s reformist camp for including conservatives from the previous government in his proposed Cabinet. Zarif emphasized his commitment to the inclusion of women, youth, and ethnic groups, which he felt had not been adequately addressed in the ministerial appointments.

Zarif’s resignation marks the second crisis for President Pezeshkian since taking office. The recent killing of Palestinian militant Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran added further strain to the administration. Despite Zarif’s departure, Pezeshkian aims to resume nuclear negotiations with a new team of diplomats, hoping to lift the sanctions that have paralyzed the Iranian economy.