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The appointment of former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif as Strategic Affairs Advisor to the regime’s President Masoud Pezeshkian continues to ignite a political firestorm, revealing deep fractures within Iran’s ruling system. The controversy surrounding Zarif’s role underscores not just a legal dispute but a broader power struggle, exposing the clerical regime’s systemic instability.
At the core of the dispute lies a 2021 law prohibiting individuals whose spouses or children hold dual citizenship from assuming sensitive government positions. Zarif’s children, who hold U.S. citizenship, make his appointment a direct violation of this legislation. MPs closely aligned with the regime’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei have seized on this issue, amplifying calls for Zarif’s removal and fueling a broader political crisis.
Khamenei’s Ambiguity: Tacit Approval or Tactical Maneuver?
The controversy intensified after Mehdi Fazaeli, a member of Khamenei’s office for the “Preservation and Publication of Works,” stated on November 22 that the Supreme Leader supported amending the dual citizenship law, authorizing the administration to relay this stance to parliament. This was bolstered by Deputy Legal Affairs Chief Majid Ansari’s earlier remarks that Khamenei viewed the restriction as depriving the regime of skilled individuals.
However, Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf escalated tensions by declaring Zarif’s appointment “illegal” during a heated session on November 27. “According to the law, this appointment is a violation, and Parliament will pursue legal actions,” Ghalibaf asserted. Despite alleged approval for legal amendments, Khamenei’s office has neither confirmed nor denied these statements, leaving room for speculation that the Leader might be testing reactions or mitigating the growing infighting.
Factional Feud Escalates in #Iran Over Zarif Appointment Amid Domestic and Regional Criseshttps://t.co/iO5uhIMyvv
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) October 23, 2024
Zarif’s Resignation and Reappointment: A Symbol of Chaos
In August 2024, Zarif initially resigned under pressure, citing the controversy over his children’s dual citizenship. His resignation, however, was short-lived. By early September, Zarif resumed his role after attending a high-profile meeting with Khamenei and reportedly receiving backing from Pezeshkian. This reversal has drawn criticism, with many viewing Zarif’s political rehabilitation as emblematic of the regime’s disarray and factional infighting.
Tensions reached a boiling point when extremist MP Hamid Rasaee accused Zarif of “mocking” Parliament. “Zarif laughed at Parliament and said, ‘Are they going to remove me?’ Who is he mocking—us or the law?” Rasaee demanded the use of Article 234, which could enforce legal accountability in Zarif’s absence.
Earlier attempts by Rasaee to undermine Zarif during parliamentary sessions often led to verbal clashes, with Speaker Ghalibaf stepping in to mediate. However, on November 27, Ghalibaf took a decisive stance, echoing Rasaee’s concerns and declaring, “This appointment is undoubtedly illegal. The government must address this, and Parliament will not hesitate to act.”
Mohammad-Javad Zarif, former #Iranian regime FM and newly appointed strategic deputy of #MasoudPezeshkian resigned following the introduction of the new controversial cabinet. pic.twitter.com/H8b1xUwz1d
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) August 12, 2024
Other MPs, however, expressed frustration with the relentless focus on Zarif. Ahmad Bigdeli sarcastically remarked, “Why not just expel Zarif from the country or execute him so you can rest easy?” His comments underscore the personal animosity driving many attacks.
Shahram Dabiri, parliamentary liaison for Pezeshkian’s administration, clarified that proposed amendments aim to restrict the law’s application solely to the individual in question, not their family members. “This proposal is not about Zarif alone,” Dabiri emphasized, adding that the administration remains bound by parliamentary decisions.
The Dual Citizenship Debate: Broader Implications
The dual citizenship law, enacted in 2021 during Ebrahim Raisi’s presidency, was originally designed to consolidate the Khamenei-tied faction’s control by purging rival factions from power. Ironically, it has now become a double-edged sword, threatening all factions within the regime, as many officials themselves hold dual citizenship or have offspring living in luxury abroad. Critics argue that loosening the law could set a dangerous precedent, while supporters claim the restriction unfairly excludes skilled individuals.
Notably, Mohammad-Mehdi Shahriari, another MP, pointed out that under the current law, even Zainab Soleimani—daughter of Qassem Soleimani—could be barred from sensitive roles due to her husband’s foreign citizenship. This inconsistency further highlights the law’s problematic nature and its susceptibility to factional interpretation.
As various regime factions desperately try to deceive people into participating in the upcoming sham #elections, remember this: On Aug 21, 2019, months before the 2019 uprising, then-FM Javad Zarif claimed the majority support the clerical dictatorship, citing over 70% turnout. pic.twitter.com/RuA0vIKfpd
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) June 20, 2024
The Zarif controversy epitomizes a regime torn apart by internal rivalries. While framed as a legal dispute, the crisis is a proxy for power struggles among competing factions. Khamenei’s reported greenlight for amending the law may reflect an attempt to balance these tensions or divert attention from broader unrest. However, his silence has only deepened the chaos.
Zarif’s appointment as Strategic Affairs Advisor was reportedly approved by Khamenei, possibly as part of a broader strategy to deceive Western opponents or pursue long-term calculations. However, this move has backfired, turning Zarif into a lightning rod for internal conflicts and intensifying factional rivalries.
This episode underscores the regime’s deepening instability, as those who have been most instrumental in its survival—like Zarif—are now at risk of being sacrificed. The dual citizenship controversy, once a tool to purge rivals, now threatens the regime’s inner circle, exposing the fragility of its foundations. Whatever is transpiring in the opaque corridors of power in Tehran, it reflects a regime grappling with mounting domestic unrest and international isolation.
