Iranian Vice President for Strategic Affairs, Mohammad Javad Zarif, has resigned following “advice” from the country’s judiciary chief, Gholam Hossein Mohseni-Ejei.
According to International media, in a post on X on March 3, Zarif revealed that Mohseni-Ejei had “invited” him for a discussion, during which he was “advised to return to academia to ease pressure on the government.”
سلام بر هم میهنان بزرگوار
خداوند بزرگ را سپاسگزارم که در نه ماه گذشته این فرصت را به این خدمتگزار کوچک ارزانی داشت که در جهت تحقق اراده ملت و خدمت به مردم آنچه را در توان داشتم پیشکش کنم. گرچه در شش ماه گذشته با سخیفترین توهینها، افتراها و تهدیدها نسبت به خود و خانوادهام روبرو…— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) March 3, 2025
Zarif, a former foreign minister, has been a controversial figure in reformist President Masud Pezeshkian’s administration. His appointment had sparked months of tension, with hard-liners arguing it violated a 2022 law governing key appointments.
Critics claim Zarif is unfit for the role due to his American-born sons, who hold dual Iranian-U.S. citizenship. He has long been a target of hard-liners who suspect him of having extensive foreign ties, particularly because his sons—now in their 40s—were born in the U.S. while he was a student there.
Zarif had previously attempted to resign in August 2024, less than two weeks after taking office, citing disagreements with Pezeshkian over cabinet selections. However, it later became clear that mounting pressure over the appointment law had driven his decision.
His resignation comes a day after the impeachment of Economy Minister Abdolnasser Hemmati, who was dismissed by lawmakers in a 182-82 vote on March 2.
The political upheaval marks another challenge for Pezeshkian, whose surprise election victory last July had raised hopes for potential improvements in Iran’s relations with the West.
Translation of Javad Zarif’s tweet
I am grateful to the Almighty for granting this humble servant the opportunity over the past nine months to dedicate my efforts toward fulfilling the will of the nation and serving the people. Although in the past six months, I have faced the most vile insults, slanders, and threats against myself and my family—and endured the most bitter period of my forty-year service even within the government—I stood firm with the hope of serving. I have never been one to flee from hardships and difficulties in the path of service to this land. Over the past forty-plus years, I have endured countless insults and slanders for my small role in advancing national interests, from ending the imposed war to bringing the nuclear case to a conclusion, and I have remained silent in the face of a flood of lies and distortions to protect the country’s interests.
Yesterday, at the invitation of the esteemed head of the judiciary, I met with him. He advised that, given the country’s situation, I should return to academia to prevent further pressure on the government. Without hesitation, I accepted, as I have always sought to be a supporter, not a burden. With immense gratitude to him for relieving me of the responsibility before God and the people, I hope that with my departure, obstacles to the people’s will and the government’s success will be removed. I still take pride in supporting the esteemed Dr. Pezeshkian and wish him and all other sincere public servants the very best.
I sincerely apologize to the forgiving Almighty and to you, the kind, patient, and appreciative people of Iran, for all my shortcomings.
