Javad Zarif, Iran’s former foreign minister and a pivotal figure in the 2015 nuclear deal, has resigned from his recent role as vice president for strategic affairs just 11 days after his appointment.
Zarif announced his resignation on August 12, citing dissatisfaction with the newly proposed cabinet’s composition and his inability to fulfill commitments regarding the inclusion of women, youth, and ethnic groups in the government. In his statement, Zarif expressed regret over the lack of representation in President Masoud Pezeshkian’s cabinet, which included only one woman among the 19 ministers. He noted that at least seven of the nominated ministers were not his preferred choices, leading to his disappointment.
Additionally, Zarif faced scrutiny due to his children’s U.S. citizenship, which added pressure to his position. Zarif indicated that he would be stepping back from domestic politics and returning to academia, emphasizing that his resignation was not a reflection of his relationship with President Pezeshkian but rather a realization of his limited effectiveness in the new role.
His departure marks a significant challenge for Pezeshkian’s administration, which is already grappling with internal dissent and criticism over its cabinet selections.