Iranian Vice-President Javad Zarif announced his resignation early Monday, citing advice from Judiciary Chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Ejei aimed at easing pressure on President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration.

In a post on his X account, Zarif revealed that he met with Mohseni Ejei on Saturday at the latter’s invitation, during which the Judiciary Chief suggested he return to teaching at the university to alleviate strain on the government amid challenging national conditions.

Zarif stated that he acted on the advice immediately, emphasizing his desire to be “of help and not a burden” to the administration. He expressed hope that his departure would remove excuses for those obstructing “the people’s will and the success of the administration.” In his statement, Zarif also conveyed his pride in having supported President Pezeshkian, wishing him and other dedicated public servants well moving forward.

Late Sunday, sources reported to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) that Zarif had formally submitted his resignation to President Pezeshkian, though the president has yet to issue an official response.

Zarif’s tenure as vice-president has been marred by controversy, particularly from a faction of lawmakers who deemed his appointment illegal. Critics pointed to Iranian law, which prohibits individuals with immediate family members holding foreign citizenship from occupying sensitive government posts. At least one of Zarif’s children holds U.S. nationality, a fact that has fueled intense parliamentary opposition. Zarif’s children were born in the United States during his time as a student and later as a diplomat at Iran’s United Nations mission in New York.

In response, the Pezeshkian administration proposed a bill to amend the law, arguing that it should accommodate cases like Zarif’s, where children did not actively choose foreign citizenship. The legislative reform, reportedly supported by Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, remains under consideration in Parliament, with no resolution reached at the time of Zarif’s resignation.

Zarif’s exit marks a significant shift in the administration as it navigates internal dissent and legislative hurdles, leaving uncertainty about the future direction of Pezeshkian’s government. (ILKHA)