Zarif Resigns as Iran’s Vice President, Citing Dissatisfaction with Ministerial Nominations

Javad Zarif, recently appointed Iran’s Vice President for Strategic Affairs, has decided to quit his post just hours after the ministerial nominees for the new government were submitted to parliament for approval, Anadolu Agency reports.

In a lengthy social media post, Zarif cited his dissatisfaction with the final ministerial selections, stating that only three of the 19 nominees were first choices, while others were chosen from lower down the list of candidates recommended by the steering council he led.

Zarif, a veteran diplomat who served as Iran’s Foreign Minister for eight years under former President Hassan Rouhani, expressed disappointment that the final decisions did not reflect the council’s recommendations or fulfill his pledge to include women, youth, and ethnic groups in the cabinet.

Although Zarif initially hinted that he would not be part of the new government, he was unexpectedly appointed Vice President for Strategic Affairs and tasked with leading the selection process for ministerial candidates. However, his resignation suggests a breakdown in communication or a divergence of opinion between Zarif and President Masoud Pezeshkian, who was recently elected in a snap election.

Zarif’s resignation, coming just days after the ministerial nominees were presented to parliament, raises questions about the stability and direction of the new government as it faces the challenges of parliamentary scrutiny and the upcoming vote of confidence on August 17.