In a shocking move, Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran’s Vice President for Strategic Affairs, has tendered his resignation just 11 days after his appointment.
Zarif cited dissatisfaction with his work and inability to meet expectations as reasons for his departure.
This sudden resignation comes as the second major crisis for President Massud Pezeshkian’s administration since taking office in late July.
The first crisis was the killing of Palestinian militant leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
Zarif, a moderate politician and former Foreign Minister, was a key figure in Pezeshkian’s presidential campaign and played a crucial role in his victory.
He was expected to lead the implementation of promised reforms and was instrumental in shaping the new foreign policy direction.
However, observers believe that hardline conservatives may have influenced the appointment of certain ministers, leading to a mismatch between Pezeshkian’s plans and the actual cabinet composition.
Zarif’s resignation has sparked concerns about the future of Iran’s nuclear negotiations and the country’s economic sanctions.
“I am not satisfied with my work and regret that I have not been able to fulfill expectations,” the moderate politician said on his X platform.
