Iranian Reformist Backs Vice-President Zarif Amidst Intense Criticism

In recent events, a prominent Reformist has come to the defense of Javad Zarif, the Vice-President for Strategic Affairs, amid a wave of public criticism. This situation has raised concerns about the implications for Iran’s political landscape and the treatment of influential figures.

Rasoul Montajab-Nia, a cleric and secretary-general of the Jomhouriyat-e Iran-e Eslami Party, expressed his deep skepticism regarding the motives behind the attacks on Zarif. He stated, “I am strongly skeptical and suspicious of the intentions and goals of these individuals and groups… in whatever positions and clothes they may be.” Montajab-Nia emphasized that these actions do not stem from good intentions, labeling them as misguided.

He further noted that there appears to be a concerted effort to undermine Iran’s national assets and its influential leaders, warning that such figures could be irreplaceable. Montajab-Nia urged the Judiciary to take action against those who insulted Zarif, asserting that “Curses, insults, and disrespect — no matter to whom it is extended — is a crime.”

During an interview with Fareed Zakaria of CNN on January 22, Zarif mentioned that the Iranian government has opted for leniency concerning women not adhering to hair covering laws, despite these being against the law. He also praised President Pezeshkian indirectly by contrasting his foreign policy with that of his rival, Sa’eed Jalili, who lost to Pezeshkian.

This statement ignited a backlash against Zarif, primarily from associates of Jalili. Here are some key points regarding the criticism faced by Zarif:

• A number of lawmakers, mainly aligned with Jalili, have criticized Zarif’s vice-presidency appointment.
• They cite a law that disallows individuals with foreign citizenship or whose immediate family members hold foreign citizenship from sensitive positions.
• Zarif’s children obtained U.S. citizenship at birth while he was studying in the U.S.
• Despite returning to Iran, the criticism persists from conservative factions.

The Pezeshkian administration has proposed a bill to amend the law, allowing for the recruitment of individuals like Zarif, whose children acquired foreign nationality unintentionally. This reform has received backing from the Islamic Revolution Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

However, Zarif continues to face harsh attacks from various conservative figures, including TV presenter-turned-lawmaker Amir-Hossein Sabeti. Protests have occurred in Tehran and Mashhad, where demonstrators have used derogatory terms like “coward” and “wimpy” against him.

Recently, a lawmaker disclosed that 60 members of parliament have submitted a complaint against Zarif to Attorney General Mohammad Movahhedi-Azad. In light of these escalating tensions, the Pezeshkian administration has remained notably silent, adhering to its principle of “national solidarity.”

Montajab-Nia criticized the lack of official response to the scorn directed at Zarif and highlighted a perceived bias in how protests are managed. He stated, “If a gathering requires a permit, everyone should be able to acquire one, and if it doesn’t, no one should have to be required to get a permit.”