Iran’s Vice-President, Mohammed Javad Zarif, has resigned only 11 days into his role in President Massud Pezeshkian’s administration. Zarif, who announced his X platform, cited dissatisfaction with his performance and an inability to meet expectations.
Zarif suggested that his resignation was influenced by disagreements over the selection of ministers for Pezeshkian’s cabinet. He revealed that at least seven of the 19 nominated ministers were not among his preferred choices.
This resignation marks the second significant challenge for Pezeshkian since he assumed office at the end of July, following the recent assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Zarif, a prominent figure in Pezeshkian’s election campaign, played a crucial role in securing his victory. However, Zarif and his team’s efforts to recommend candidates for government roles, intended to advance promised reforms, were overshadowed by a cabinet list presented by Pezeshkian that did not align with reform plans.
Observers suspect that Iran’s hardline conservative faction exerted influence over the cabinet appointments. Zarif, a former chief diplomat and key negotiator of the 2015 nuclear agreement, was expected to help resume nuclear talks and alleviate the economic sanctions affecting Iran.