Mohammad Javad Zarif, a key figure in Iran’s foreign policy and the face of the country’s negotiations with global powers, has resigned again amid intense political and economic pressure. The former foreign minister, renowned for his role in securing the 2015 nuclear deal, confirmed his resignation early on Monday. In a post shared online, Zarif described his decision as the culmination of “the most bitter era” of his 40-year career in public service.
Zarif’s resignation follows mounting opposition from hardline factions, who have pressed for his removal in light of a 2022 law that bars individuals with dual citizenship, like Zarif, from holding political office. His children hold U.S. citizenship, fueling the pressure on him to step down. Zarif said he had been “advised” by judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei to resign in order to reduce pressure on the government during this tumultuous period.
His departure comes amid growing political turmoil, including the impeachment of Abdolnaser Hemmati, Iran’s economy minister, by conservative lawmakers. Hemmati faced accusations of exacerbating Iran’s economic woes by weakening the national currency, a claim he denied. These developments highlight the ongoing instability within Iran’s political establishment, especially in the wake of persistent economic challenges and the nation’s strained relations with the West.
As inflation soars and the Iranian rial continues to decline, concerns over social unrest intensify. With Nowruz just weeks away, market activity is expected to rise, but with it, the risk of more discontent. Iranian officials have voiced concerns over potential foreign interference, particularly from the U.S. and Israel, which they blame for fueling instability.
Meanwhile, President Masoud Pezeshkian, elected on a platform promising an end to harsh sanctions, has echoed Zarif’s stance on negotiations, declaring that Iran will not hold talks with the U.S. under current circumstances. This echoes the hardline position of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has firmly opposed any engagement with Washington since the U.S. withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018.
The ongoing turmoil within Iran’s government signals to the international community that Tehran is likely to adopt a harder stance as it faces external pressures. This shift comes as the sunset clause of the Iranian nuclear agreement looms, with major decisions regarding sanctions and nuclear development expected by October 2025. Despite opposition from European powers, Iran maintains that its nuclear program remains peaceful, while tensions with the U.S. and Israel show no signs of abating.
As the political situation evolves, the future of Iran's foreign policy, economic stability, and relations with the West hang in the balance.
Source: Al Jazeera
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
