Zarif, Iranian vice president, resigns 11 days into office

Iran’s Vice-President, Mohammad Javad Zarif, has stepped down from President Massud Pezeshkian’s cabinet just 11 days after taking the job.

“I am not satisfied with my work and regret that I have not been able to fulfill expectations,” the politician said on his X platform.

Zarif suggested that his decision was due to the choice of ministers for Pezeshkian’s new cabinet.

He stated that at least seven of the 19 nominated ministers were not his preferred choices.

His resignation marks the second crisis for Pezeshkian since he assumed office at the end of July, following the death of Palestinian militant Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

Zarif, as Pezeshkian’s right-hand man, was instrumental in securing victory due to his popularity during the presidential campaign.

After the election, Zarif and his team were tasked with creating a list of candidates to implement the promised reforms.

Pezeshkian presented a list, on August 11, 2024, that observers believe did not align with the planned reforms and promises.

Observers believe that Iran’s hardline arch-conservative faction influenced Pezeshkian by imposing certain ministers.

Who is Javad Zarif?

Zarif is a prominent Iranian diplomat and best known for his role as Iran’s Foreign Minister from 2013 to 2021.

He is widely recognized for his key role in negotiating the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the Iran nuclear deal.

This agreement was made with the P5+1 countries (the U.S., U.K., France, Russia, China, and Germany).

Zarif’s Achievements

JCPOA (Iran Nuclear Deal): Zarif’s most notable achievement is his role in the negotiation and signing of the JCPOA in 2015.

The deal was intended to limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions.

This agreement was seen as a major diplomatic success, improving relations between Iran and the West and providing economic relief to Iran.

Zarif was praised for his negotiation skills, particularly in managing complex talks with various global powers

Diplomatic engagement: Zarif was instrumental in opening lines of communication between Iran and several Western countries, particularly the United States.

His close work with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry marked a significant shift in Iran-U.S. relations despite long-standing hostilities.

Zarif’s willingness to engage in dialogue showed a more moderate and pragmatic approach, differing from the typical Iranian government rhetoric.

His Shortcomings

Collapse of the JCPOA: Despite the initial success of the JCPOA, the deal began to unravel after the U.S. withdrew from the agreement under President Donald Trump in 2018.

The deal’s collapse dealt a major blow to Zarif’s legacy, leading to sanctions on Iran and heightened tensions with the West.

Zarif faced criticism from hardliners within Iran who opposed the deal and saw its failure as proof that the U.S. could not be trusted.

Limited Influence in Iran: Throughout his career, Zarif struggled with limited authority within the Iranian government.

Although he pushed for diplomacy with the West, conservative elements within the Iranian leadership frequently curtailed his influence.

This included the Supreme Leader and the Revolutionary Guards.

This limitation was clear when his engagement efforts, like potential meetings with Trump, were blocked by Iran’s higher authorities.

Sanctions and Isolation: Zarif himself was sanctioned by the U.S. in 2019, which further isolated him diplomatically.

His tenure also coincided with a period of increased internal repression in Iran.

This hardening of the country’s foreign policy stance undermined his more moderate and conciliatory approach.

Overall, Zarif remains a pivotal figure in Iranian diplomacy.

His efforts at engagement and negotiation have left a significant, though controversial, legacy in both Iranian and international politics.

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