Zarif Steps Aside Amid Judicial Pressure and Political Turbulence

Mohammad-Javad Zarif, the former Iran’s Foreign Minister and current strategic deputy under Masoud Pezeshkian, has submitted his resignation to the President after a meeting with the head of the judiciary, Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei. In the meeting, Ejei advised Zarif to step aside. However, according to government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani, his resignation has not yet been accepted by President Pezeshkian.

Initial reports of his resignation emerged from domestic media, including IRNA, and were later confirmed by Zarif on social media. In Sunday evening post, Zarif stated:

“Yesterday, at the invitation of the honorable head of the judiciary, I met with him. Given the country’s current state, he advised that, to ease pressure on the government, I should return to academia. I accepted immediately, as I have always wished to be a helper rather than a burden.”

In his follow-up statement, he intentionally used the phrase “stepping aside” rather than “resigning,” explaining:

“I hope that by stepping aside, excuses for launching attacks against the will of the people and the government’s success will be nullified. I remain proud to support the esteemed Dr. Pezeshkian and wish him and all other true servants of the people the very best.”

In response to Mr. Zarif’s resignation and Mr. Hemmati’s dismissal, Mohammad Reza Aref, the First Deputy of the President, engaged in indirect criticism of the administration’s opponents, stating, “The approach of the 14th government is one of commitment to unity, even though we have noticed some instances of unkind behavior.”

Although this is not the first time Zarif has resigned, his public explanation this time is notably different. His resignation, announced on Sunday evening, coincided with a dramatic shift in parliament. On the same day, the Islamic Consultative Assembly impeached Abdulnaser Hemmati, the Minister of Economy and Finance, in a no-confidence vote—182 votes in favor against 89 votes opposed out of 273 members.

Zarif served as Iran’s Foreign Minister for eight years under President Hassan Rouhani, playing a central role in the nuclear negotiations that led to the JCPOA, a deal that attracted sharp criticism from conservative factions. Despite ongoing verbal attacks and criticism, following his electoral victory last year, Dr. Pezeshkian appointed him as his strategic deputy. In recent months, Zarif has faced mounting pressure from various quarters, including backlash from hardline right-wing groups over his comments on hijab.

Regarded as a symbol by advocates for improved relations with the West, Zarif’s decision to step aside underscores the growing influence of opponents of negotiations with the United States within the Islamic Republic. During the Hemmati impeachment session, Dr. Pezeshkian subtly noted that while Ayatollah Khamenei opposes U.S. negotiations, he had previously personally supported dialogue—though ultimately, he has accepted the Supreme Leader’s stance. If the resignation holds, the Pezeshkian government will move forward without the direct involvement of one of Iran’s most accomplished diplomats – and one who has served as a lightning rod for hardline attacks.