In a post on his X account, the former Iranian foreign minister confirmed reports about his resignation, saying he has decided to quit following mounting pressures, insults, and acts of defamation against him and his family during the past six months.
Zarif said he has experienced “the bitterest period” of his forty years of career after taking up a post in the administration of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, although he has made every effort to protect the national interests.
Zarif said he held a meeting with Iran’s Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei on Sunday, accepted the top judge’s recommendation for resignation to prevent more pressures on the administration, and decided to pursue his academic profession at university.
A group of lawmakers have been pushing to dismiss Zarif from his job as the vice president for strategic affairs, arguing that such a position is basically unlawful.