Iran’s Vice-President Mohammed Javad Zarif has resigned from President Massud Pezeshkian’s cabinet just 11 days after assuming office.
By Emma Ogbuehi (With Agency Reports)
Iran’s Vice-President Mohammed Javad Zarif has resigned from President Massud Pezeshkian’s cabinet just 11 days after assuming office.
Zarif announced his resignation on X, stating, “I am not satisfied with my work and regret that I have not been able to fulfil expectations.” He further announced his intent to return to academia, apologizing to the Iranian people for his inability to navigate the complexities of domestic politics.
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He attributed his resignation to his dissatisfaction with the selection of ministers in Pezeshkian’s new cabinet.
According to Zarif, at least seven of the 19 ministers nominated were not his first choice. Agency Reports, say Zarif’s resignation underscores his frustration with the process, lamenting that he was unable to implement the expert opinions of the committees formed to find the best possible candidates or fulfill his promises to include women, youth, and ethnic groups in the cabinet.
This marks the second significant challenge for Pezeshkian since he assumed office at the end of July. Pezeshkian, who came to office on the crest of populist reforms, received more than 16 million votes and Jalili more than 13 million out of about 30 million votes cast.
Pezeshkian described his victory as part of the start of a “partnership” with the Iranian people.
“The difficult path ahead will not be smooth except with your companionship, empathy, and trust. I extend my hand to you,” Pezeshkian said in a post on social media platform X, on Tuesday, saying he would “extend the hand of friendship to everyone” if he won.
The election was called early after the death of ultraconservative President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash.