Former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif entered a new role as vice president for strategic affairs on August 2, following a decree from the newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian. Soon after, Zarif signaled his intention to step away from that position, a move reported by RIA Novosti.
The potential resignation appears linked to disagreements over the makeup of the incoming government. Among the nineteen nominees, only a single candidate was a woman, a detail that drew scrutiny and highlighted questions about gender balance in the Cabinet formation process.
In his remarks, Zarif expressed disappointment with the outcomes of his tenure. He indicated that he had not managed to secure the broad input he had hoped for from special committees, particularly on issues related to the participation of women, youth, and ethnic minorities. He alluded to the possibility of continuing to pursue his path in some capacity, recalling his university teaching days when such opportunities were more readily available.
Despite the frustration over certain results, Zarif offered best wishes to the members of the incoming government and extended gratitude to the President for involving him in the cabinet selection process.
On August 11, Pezeshkian presented to the National Assembly a list of individuals he proposed for the new cabinet, outlining the government’s direction and the roles envisioned for each appointee as Iran moves forward with its broader strategic agenda.
The previous leadership appeared to be cautious about external pressures and regional tensions, while maintaining a focus on domestic governance and reform. The broader political climate underscores ongoing debates about accountability, representation, and the pace of reform within the Iranian political system.