Iran’s Vice-President Mohammed Javad Zarif has resigned just 11 days after joining President Massud Pezeshkian’s cabinet.
Zarif announced his decision on X (formerly Twitter), expressing dissatisfaction with his role: “I am not satisfied with my work and regret that I have not been able to fulfill expectations.” He also suggested that disagreements over the selection of ministers for Pezeshkian’s cabinet influenced his decision, stating that at least seven of the 19 nominated ministers were not his preferred choices.
Zarif had been a key figure in Pezeshkian’s presidential campaign, contributing significantly to his victory. After the election, Zarif and a team of experts were tasked with selecting candidates for government posts to implement promised reforms. However, when Pezeshkian presented the list on August 11, observers noted it did not align with the reformist agenda, leading to speculation that hardline arch-conservatives may have influenced the ministerial appointments.
Zarif, who served as Iran’s chief diplomat from 2013 to 2021 and led the negotiations for the 2015 nuclear agreement, was also expected to play a major role in resuming nuclear talks aimed at lifting economic sanctions. His resignation marks the second crisis for Pezeshkian since taking office in late July, following the assassination of Palestinian militant leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
