Mohammed Javad Zarif has stepped down as Iran’s vice president just 11 days after taking office. His resignation now forces President Massud Pezeshkian to search for a new candidate to fill the position.
In a post on X, Zarif explained that he was stepping down due to his inability to meet expectations, stating, “I am not satisfied with my work and regret that I have not been able to fulfil expectations.” He also hinted that the selection process for ministers in Pezeshkian’s new cabinet was a key factor in his decision, noting that seven of the 19 nominated ministers were not his preferred choices.
Zarif’s departure is a significant blow for Pezeshkian, marking the second major challenge for the Iranian president since he assumed office in July. Zarif, who played a crucial role in Pezeshkian’s presidential campaign, was a key figure in shaping the administration’s new foreign policy direction.
Following the election, Zarif, alongside a team of experts, was expected to develop a list of candidates for government positions to implement the promised reforms. However, observers believe the final list presented by Pezeshkian on Sunday did not align with the anticipated reform plans, leading to Zarif’s abrupt resignation.
