Mohammad Javad Zarif has resigned from his vice president post in Iran after facing significant personal attacks and hostility. His resignation was advised by the judiciary to alleviate government pressure. Zarif, known for his role in the 2015 nuclear deal, had a brief return to vice presidency before stepping down again.
Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran’s former foreign minister and negotiator of the 2015 nuclear deal, has resigned from his recently appointed role as vice president for strategic affairs, according to state media reports. The resignation letter was submitted to President Masoud Pezeshkian, who has yet to provide a formal response. Zarif’s resignation comes less than two weeks after he assumed the position on August 1, and he had briefly returned to the role later in the month.
In a post on X, Zarif addressed the personal challenges he faced during his tenure, stating, “I have faced the most horrible insults, slander and threats against myself and my family, and I have gone through the most bitter period of my 40 years of service.” He noted that the head of the judiciary suggested his resignation in order to reduce pressure on the government, a recommendation he accepted without hesitation.
Zarif served as Iran’s foreign minister from 2013 to 2021 during President Hassan Rouhani’s administration, gaining prominence for his role in the negotiation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or the 2015 nuclear agreement. This pivotal deal unraveled three years later when the United States, under President Donald Trump, withdrew from the accord and reintroduced severe sanctions against Iran.
In conclusion, Mohammad Javad Zarif’s resignation as vice president underscores the significant pressures he has faced throughout his political career, particularly as a key figure in Iran’s foreign policy. His acknowledgment of personal threats and the judicial recommendation to resign reflect ongoing tensions within the Iranian government and its international relations. Zarif’s legacy remains tied to the landmark nuclear deal and the consequences of its collapse following U.S. withdrawal.
Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com
