Wanted to Relieve Pressure on President Pezeshkian, Says Iranian VP After Resignation

Iranian Vice President Javad Zarif, who resigned on Sunday night for the second time since his appointment in August last year, stated that his decision was aimed at easing pressure on President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration.

In a post on X, Zarif revealed that Iranian Judiciary Chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Ejei had advised him to return to academia to “avoid more pressure on the administration.” He added that he took the advice immediately, as he had always aimed to be “of help and not a burden.”

Zarif expressed hope that his departure would remove obstacles preventing the realization of “the people’s will and the success of the administration.” He reaffirmed his support for President Pezeshkian, stating, “I continue to be proud of having supported the venerable Dr. Pezeshkian and wish him and other true servants of the people the best,” according to IRNA.

President Pezeshkian has yet to formally respond to Zarif’s resignation.

Since his appointment, Zarif has faced strong opposition from lawmakers who argue that his position is illegal due to his child holding US nationality, a violation of Iranian law for sensitive government posts. Iranian lawmakers and media outlets, including Fars News Agency, have closely followed his controversial appointment.

Zarif, a former foreign minister, was appointed Vice President for Strategic Affairs and head of the Centre for Strategic Studies in August 2024. He initially resigned 10 days into the role, citing dissatisfaction with the cabinet selection process, but later withdrew his resignation after discussions with Pezeshkian.