Iranian FM’s resignation raises questions, reasons unclear: expert

No official explanation has been given about the resignation of the Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif while a number of experts link this resignation with a number of domestic political issues in Iran, expert Armen Israelyan told Aysor.am.

Among the issues the expert outlined the agreement over nuclear program of Iran, convention of fighting against terrorism, etc.

“There are various questions over resignation but there are no concrete reasons. At the same time it is necessary to note that head of Iranian president’s staff has rejected the information as if president Rouhani accepted Zarif’s resignation,” he said, adding that currently Iranian lawmakers are gathering signatures in Mejlis to apply to the president for him not to accept Zarif’s resignation.

Israelyan also draw attention on the circumstance that the Iranian foreign minister announced his resignation on Instagram in case when he is usually more active in Twitter.

“The only official confirmation after resignation announcement was made by the spokesperson of the Iranian foreign ministry. In an interview with IRNA news agency, he said such news is being circulated. All the Iranian mass media referred to Zarif’s resignation citing his Instagram page only,” the expert said.

Israelyan at the same time said that the Iranian opposition always criticizing Rouhani’s government welcomed the foreign minister’s resignation.

“Criticism was addressed both to Rouhani and Zarif. In particular, the opponents were stressing that though Iran has signed nuclear agreement but the United States has withdrawn from it,” Israelyan said.

Tomorrow, on February 27 Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is due to pay official visit to Iran.