Analysis by PMOI/MEK
March 2, 2019 – In its February 28 editorial, state-run newspaper Siasat-e Rooz described Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif as a tinkered porcelain that is good for inferior use.
“Everybody believes that Zarif’s resignation considering his post was wrong. We also believe that it was a miscalculation in a delicate situation,” Siasat-e Rooz writes.
“Considering his resignation, Zarif’s presence in the foreign ministry makes ‘no difference.’ Zarif broke himself, but the ‘porcelain tinkerer,’ even if he fixed a good [quality] broken porcelain, will it have its previous functionality?” the newspaper further writes.
“While the people are witnessing skyrocketing prices and sort of an explosion in living items’ prices because of a lack of managerial measures, controversies like Zarif’s resignation, and that for not inviting him to be present in an unofficial and undiplomatic meeting, can render the people hopeless toward the system in terms of managing the economic and living situation,” the editorial concludes.
On the same day, Keyhan newspaper, Iranian regime Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s semi-official mouthpiece, wrote: “It begs the question who pays the price of the president’s lack of coordination with different ministers (and not just Zarif), Rouhani or the establishment? Anti-revolutionary media welcomed Zarif’s resignation and were thrilled about it. Unfortunately, Zarif’s rash and unconventional move has impacted ‘Bashar Assad’s’ very important visit to Tehran… Zarif is back, but the costs remain. In fact, Zarif’s rash and unconventional move caused some damages.”
Javan, another state-run newspaper, also wrote on February 28: “Some in the country and most of the foreigners described this really washy resignation as a sign of the deteriorating situation of the Islamic Republic and even asked the Iranian president to courageously and grandiosely resign following the minister!”
On the other hand, newspapers close to Rouhani’s faction also acknowledge the deep crisis presented by Zarif’s resignation.
Arman newspaper writes: “The quantity and variety of decision makings outside of the government has created problems for the executive system with many negative consequences. Even foreigners are confused by the multiplicity of opinions and policies and don’t trust in the official foreign policy apparatus anymore.”
“Foreign governments can consider Mr. Zarif’s resignation as a sign of diplomatic weakness in Iran which will have cost for the country in terms of national interests and international political credit,” Arman further writes.
Fararu website published an article titled, “Zarif was cut between two swords or two scissor blades” and writes: “This resignation shows that the government has not much of a role in designing the foreign policy.”
Quoting Mehdi Motaharnia, a pundit from Rouhani’s faction the website further writes: “It is clear that power and policy making is not within the government. This has a very sharp and important meaning and with Zarif’s resignation, it has put an end to the government’s stature within the Iranian political system in relation with the international system. In an international sense, the Iranian government and the foreign ministry will have no meaningful and influential functionality.”
