A leading Reformist, Rasoul Montajab-Nia, has defended Javad Zarif, Iran’s Vice-President for Strategic Affairs, amidst widespread criticism from conservative factions. Montajab-Nia expressed skepticism about the motives behind the attacks on Zarif, labeling them misguided and aimed at undermining influential leaders. He urged the Judiciary to address the insults directed at Zarif, emphasizing that disrespect is a crime. The backlash intensified after Zarif’s comments on women’s hair covering laws and his praise for President Pezeshkian’s foreign policy. Critics, particularly from rival Sa’eed Jalili’s camp, claim Zarif’s U.S.-citizen children disqualify him for sensitive roles, leading to protests and a growing parliamentary complaint against him.