Vice President resigns in Iran: Political crisis deepens

12punto FOREIGN NEWS

The crisis within the Iranian government has resulted in the departure of two high-level figures. Hemmati was dismissed after failing to receive a vote of confidence from the parliament. Following Hemmati's removal, Vice President Zarif also resigned. Zarif was known as one of the 'closest' figures to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

The Iranian Parliament debated the motion of no confidence filed against Minister of Economy Hemmati. In the vote held after 6 hours of debate, 182 members of parliament voted in favor of Hemmati's dismissal. 89 members of parliament took a stance in favor of the minister remaining in office. 1 member of parliament abstained. Hemmati was removed from office after failing to receive a vote of confidence from the parliament.

Hemmati was accused of being ineffective in the face of the country's economic problems. In particular, his failure to take sufficient measures against the uncontrolled rise in foreign exchange and gold rates placed him at the center of criticism. The motion of no confidence against Hemmati was placed on the parliamentary agenda on February 19 with the signatures of 91 members of parliament.

Immediately after Hemmati's dismissal, Pezeshkian's deputy Zarif also resigned. Zarif submitted his resignation letter to Pezeshkian. It was reported that Pezeshkian has not yet responded to this resignation.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian

HE WAS A TARGET OF CONSERVATIVES

Zarif, who served as Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs between 2013 and 2021, was known as one of the architects of the nuclear deal signed between the US and Iran in 2015. Zarif was appointed as Vice President for Strategic Affairs by President Pezeshkian in August 2023. Zarif stood out as a figure whom ultra-conservative groups did not want to see in the government.

According to CNN's report, Zarif had previously hinted at resigning in August, when the government received a vote of confidence from the parliament. In its commentary, CNN suggested that the resignation decision 'deepened the crisis in the Iranian government.'

Following Zarif's resignation, there has been no comment yet from Pezeshkian or other government officials. It is alleged that Pezeshkian, who has not approved the resignation decision, will meet with the Vice President to persuade him to remain in the government.

News Source: 12punto