Iranian Vice President Mohammad Javad Zarif Resigns Amid Political Tensions

Veteran Iranian diplomat Mohammad Javad Zarif has resigned from his position as vice president, a day after parliament ousted the finance minister, highlighting increasing divisions between hardliners and moderates within the Islamic Republic, Bloomberg reports.

Zarif announced his decision on X, stating that it followed a meeting with the head of the judiciary, who encouraged him to resign to “prevent further pressure on the government” given the country’s current circumstances.

The resignation follows the ousting of Economy and Finance Minister Abdolnaser Hemmati by hardline lawmakers in parliament. Hemmati’s removal reflects growing criticism of President Pezeshkian’s administration regarding its handling of the economy and the sharp decline in the country’s currency.

Zarif was appointed as vice president for strategic affairs in President Pezeshkian’s administration last year. While aligned with reformists and moderates, President Pezeshkian has prioritized engagement with conservatives and sought compromises on reviving nuclear talks with the US.

Zarif, a former foreign minister, played a key role in the landmark nuclear deal that provided Iran with sanctions relief in exchange for limitations on its nuclear program. However, the deal was abandoned in 2018 by then-US President Donald Trump, and subsequent negotiations ultimately faltered.

Zarif’s diplomatic efforts toward the West have frequently made him a target for hardliners in Iran. His appointment as vice president only intensified the scrutiny he faced.

It’s noteworthy that Zarif has a history of offering to resign, doing so on several occasions during his tenure as foreign minister. Most recently, he tendered his resignation shortly after being appointed vice president in August, but President Pezeshkian rejected it at that time.