Iran’s Vice President Cevad Zarif Steps Down
Iran’s Vice President of Strategic Affairs, Cevad Zarif, has reportedly submitted his resignation to President Mesud Pezşkiyan, according to Iran’s official news agency IRNA. Pezşkiyan confirmed that Zarif has indeed handed in his resignation, but has not yet responded to it.
The timing of Zarif’s resignation is significant, coming shortly after the dismissal of Economy Minister Abdunnasır Himmeti by the Assembly. Himmeti was removed from his position due to allegations of ineffectiveness in addressing the country’s economic challenges.
Zarif has a long history of serving in key government positions, having previously held the role of Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2013 to 2021 under former President Hasan Rouhani. He was instrumental in crafting the nuclear agreement signed in 2015. In August, President Pezşkiyan appointed Zarif as Vice President in charge of Strategic Affairs.
The decision to resign may have been influenced by growing pressure from conservative groups in Iran. Zarif faced backlash for his remarks on the headscarf ban at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, as well as for his comments made on October 7, 2023. Demonstrations against Zarif were organized by certain groups in Tehran and Mashhad.
Despite the challenges and criticisms he faced, Zarif initially hinted at resigning in August after facing opposition but ultimately continued with his duties. It remains to be seen how President Pezşkiyan will respond to Zarif’s resignation and what implications it may have for the country’s political landscape.
