Zarif said he was not satisfied with the outcome of his work as head of the advisory council for the formation of the new cabinet, and was also ashamed of not having fulfilled his promise to properly attract the opinions of special committees on the participation of women, youth and ethnic minorities.
“Among other reasons, I was given the opportunity to continue my career (as a professor – editor’s note) at the university,” RIA Novosti quoted Zarif as saying.
He added that some vice-presidential posts still remain vacant and expressed hope that this will help to slightly offset the shortcomings he pointed out. Zarif also thanked the President for the opportunity to participate in the selection of Cabinet candidates.
Iranian politician Minou Khaleghi commented on Zarif’s decision. According to her, he fought for the nomination for Interior Minister and was unsuccessful. Zarif “announced his non-participation in the government cabinet in order not to take responsibility for decisions that have nothing to do with him and the committees,” Khaleghi said.
