Mohammad Javad Zarif, a key advisor to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, has officially submitted his resignation, according to Iranian media reports on Sunday. While the exact reasons for his departure remain undisclosed, Zarif’s decision comes at a critical time for Iran, marked by mounting economic challenges and intensified political discourse.
Zarif’s Resignation Confirmed
Reports first surfaced late Saturday night regarding Zarif’s potential resignation from the 14th government. According to Tasnim News Agency’s government correspondent, initial claims about his departure were verified through independent sources, though no formal government statement had been issued at the time. However, Zarif later confirmed his resignation via a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where he provided insights into his decision.
A Reflection on His Tenure
In his statement, Zarif expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve Iran over the past nine months but lamented the immense personal and political pressures he had faced. He noted that the last six months had been particularly challenging, characterized by what he described as “ridiculous insults, slanders, and threats” directed at him and his family. Despite enduring such hardships, he emphasized his commitment to serving the nation.
Reflecting on his decades-long career, Zarif recalled his contributions to Iranian diplomacy, including efforts to end the Iran-Iraq war and negotiations on the nuclear agreement. He expressed pride in his service but stated that recent pressures had made his continued presence in government untenable.
Zarif revealed that following a meeting with Iran’s Chief Justice, he was advised to return to academia to alleviate some of the political strain on the government. He agreed, stating that he had always sought to be a contributor rather than a burden. He extended his support to President Pezeshkian and his administration, wishing them success in navigating the country’s challenges.
A Critical Moment for Iran’s Government
Zarif’s resignation coincides with a pivotal moment in Iranian politics. On the same day (Sunday), the Iranian Parliament convened a heated session attended by President Pezeshkian. Lawmakers engaged in a tense debate before withdrawing confidence from Abdulnaser Hemmati, the Minister of Finance and Economy, effectively removing him from office with 182 votes against him.
In the session, President Pezeshkian attributed Iran’s economic downturn and the devaluation of the national currency to the U.S. sanctions. Pezeshkian argued that Trump’s “Maximum Pressure” policy had exacerbated economic difficulties and reinforced financial instability. Acknowledging the severity of the crisis, Pezeshkian stressed the need for national unity, stating, “The country faces increasing economic sanctions, and the government has a plan to confront these challenges. However, we must stand together instead of blaming one another.”
Speaking in Sunday’s open parliamentary session, Pezeshkian admitted to shifting his stance on negotiations with the United States, aligning with the position of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. Pezeshkian stated that while he initially favored dialogue with Washington, he ultimately deferred to Khamenei’s firm rejection of talks.
“I believed that it would be better to engage in dialogue, but the Leader of the Revolution stated that we will not negotiate with the United States, and I also declared that we will not negotiate with the United States,” he said. Despite this, Pezeshkian acknowledged the urgent need to address Iran’s economic struggles through other means.
Political and Economic Challenges in Iran
Zarif’s resignation underscores the turbulent political landscape in Iran. As a seasoned diplomat and former Foreign Minister, he played a pivotal role in shaping Iran’s foreign policy, including negotiating the 2015 nuclear deal. However, with economic hardships intensifying and political divisions deepening, his departure highlights the difficulties faced by the Pezeshkian administration in maintaining stability.
Iran’s economy continues to struggle under severe international sanctions, leading to high inflation, currency devaluation, and widespread public dissatisfaction.
As Iran moves forward, Zarif’s exit leaves a gap in the administration’s strategic team, raising questions about the country’s diplomatic trajectory and internal political dynamics in the months ahead.
Source » kurdistan24