In Tehran, a prominent figure in Iran’s political sphere has reportedly stepped down, bringing to light the mounting tensions between reformists and hard-liners within the government. On Monday, Mohammad Javad Zarif, an influential architect of Iran’s 2015 nuclear agreement with global powers, is said to have resigned from his position within President Masoud Pezeshkian’s reformist administration.
The resignation symbolizes a swift pivot in Iran’s diplomatic approach towards the West, particularly as U.S. President Donald Trump heightens sanctions against the nation. Zarif, who played a pivotal role as a negotiator and vice president under Pezeshkian, has frequently been the target of criticism by conservative factions within Iran’s establishment. Although this isn’t the first resignation attempt Zarif has made, the acceptance of his resignation by President Pezeshkian remains uncertain.
These events unfolded following a parliamentary move to impeach Iran’s Finance Minister, Abdolnasser Hemmati, reflecting political vulnerabilities for Pezeshkian. Hemmati, who once vied for the presidency, was ousted in part due to falling currency value critiques, although his willingness to engage directly with U.S. leadership might also have played a role. This decision hints at a challenging political environment for Pezeshkian, who rose into office last year with promises of negotiating sanctions relief from Western nations. Political analyst Mohmmad Ebrahim Ansari Lari forewarns of potential difficulties ahead for the president.
The state-run news agency, IRNA, reported on Monday that Zarif submitted his resignation late Sunday night, but it remains ambiguous if Pezeshkian accepted it. This marks Zarif’s second resignation attempt as vice president for strategic affairs within Pezeshkian’s government. In a social media post, Zarif disclosed a meeting with judiciary head Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, suggesting he return to academia to alleviate governmental pressure, a move he accepted. The judiciary has not commented on this discussion. Hard-liners have long criticized Zarif, notably focusing on a provision barring individuals from public office if their children hold foreign passports, which applies to Zarif due to his children being naturalized U.S. citizens.
Despite this, Zarif’s political ascent within the Iranian Foreign Ministry had not been previously hampered. His latest resignation has been perceived as a tactical maneuver, a strategy he’s employed before when dissatisfied with Pezeshkian’s cabinet choices—a resignation that was then declined by the president.
In the context of international diplomacy, Iran’s stance has hardened significantly since Trump’s second presidential tenure triggered a strategic recalibration. Despite Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, showing initial openness to Western dialogue, he rescinded this position decisively. Trump, while open to talks, has simultaneously intensified a sanctions campaign against Iran. Aligning with Khamenei’s position, Pezeshkian echoed a more rigid approach on Sunday, aligning governmental policy with the supreme leader’s statements against U.S. negotiations.
The current U.S-imposed sanctions coincide with increased Iranian uranium enrichment activities, reportedly nearing weapons-grade levels as per UN nuclear watchdog assessments. Iran continues to assert that its nuclear ambitions are peaceful, yet U.S. intelligence suggests groundwork is being laid for potential nuclear armament capabilities. Tehran increasingly hints at considering nuclear armament, a move the U.S. and Israel have vowed to prevent, heightening tensions, especially given recent Iranian strikes against Israel amidst ongoing conflicts in the Gaza Strip.
