Iran’s Vice President, Mohammad Javad Zarif, has announced his resignation, stepping down from President Masoud Pezeshkian’s Cabinet just 11 days after his appointment. Zarif, a prominent moderate politician and former foreign minister, expressed deep regret over his inability to meet expectations in a resignation statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.
“I am not satisfied with my work and regret that I have not been able to fulfil expectations,” Zarif wrote. “I am ashamed that I could not effectively incorporate the expert opinions of the committees and uphold my promises regarding the inclusion of women, youth, and ethnic groups. Despite the honour of participating in this bold new initiative, the shortcomings in this first experience, coupled with other challenges, have led me to continue my path at the university.”
Zarif’s resignation comes as a surprise given his extensive experience in the political arena, particularly as Iran’s chief negotiator in the 2015 nuclear deal. His departure highlights the ongoing tensions within the Iranian political landscape, as he acknowledged the challenges faced in navigating domestic politics.
“Some have labelled me as overly sensitive,” Zarif noted. “I believe that over the past twelve years, I have shown more patience and resilience than many others in the face of unprecedented attacks. However, I remain deeply sensitive to the concerns and perspectives of the people.”
Zarif’s departure from the Cabinet adds to the turbulence in Pezeshkian’s administration, which has faced significant scrutiny and pressure since its inception. The president is now tasked with filling a critical void as his government continues to face mounting challenges both domestically and internationally.
