Zarif Resigns as Iranian Vice President Amid Cabinet Discontent

Former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has announced his resignation from his position as vice president for strategic affairs, just days after being appointed by President Masoud Pezeshkian. Zarif's resignation stems from dissatisfaction with the new cabinet composition, which features only one woman among 19 proposed candidates, and a lack of representation for youth and ethnic groups. He expressed disappointment over not being able to fulfill his promises regarding inclusivity and stated that only three of the proposed ministers were from the steering committee's recommendations. Zarif has indicated a desire to return to academia and criticized the cabinet choices as a regression, eliciting broader scrutiny of Pezeshkian's administration. Reformist leaders have also condemned the cabinet's average age and lack of diversity, emphasizing a disconnect between campaign promises and actual appointments. The situation reflects ongoing tensions within Iranian politics regarding representation and governance.