(JTA) — Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif submitted his resignation, reportedly over infighting about Iran’s foreign policy and its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers detested by Israel.
Zarif reportedly submitted his resignation late Monday evening. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had not replied to the letter by Tuesday afternoon in Iran, Al Jazeera in English reported.
The U.S.-educated Zarif has served as foreign minister since August 2013 and faced criticism from hardliners in his country over his attempts to establish better relations with the West. Zarif was a major player in negotiating the nuclear deal with the United States and other world powers trading sanctions relief for Iran in exchange for easing its nuclear weapons ambitions. The Trump administration pulled out of the agreement, which appears to be collapsing.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo responded to the resignation in a tweet: “We note @JZarif’s resignation. We’ll see if it sticks. Either way, he and @HassanRouhani are just front men for a corrupt religious mafia. We know @khamenei_ir makes all final decisions. Our policy is unchanged — the regime must behave like a normal country and respect its people.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a vehement opponent of the Iran nuclear deal, tweeted: “Zarif is gone. Good riddance.”
Zarif’s offer to resign came after Syrian President Bashar Assad visited Tehran and met with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and then Rouhani, according to Al Jazeera. Zarif was not at either meeting.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
