In Iran, the question of “Is the National Unity Government falling apart?” is on the agenda. Economy Minister Abdulnassar Himmati was impeached after failing to receive a vote of confidence from the Iranian Parliament. Following Himmati’s impeachment, President Mahmud Pazeshkiyan’s deputy, Mohammed Javad Zarif, also resigned.

There was a motion of no confidence against Economy Minister Abdulnassar Himmati, who was accused of being ineffective in the face of economic problems, in the parliament.

The motion against Himmati was put to a vote after 6 hours of discussion in an open session. The motion was approved by 182 votes against 89, with 1 abstention. Thus, Economy Minister Himmati was impeached as he failed to receive a vote of confidence from the Parliament.

HIMMATI WAS THE TARGET OF CRITICISM Himmati was at the center of criticism for not taking measures against the excessive rise in foreign exchange and gold prices. The motion of no confidence against him was accepted on February 19th with the signatures of 91 members of parliament.

VICE PRESIDENT ALSO RESIGNS Following Himmati’s impeachment, Iran’s Vice President for Strategic Affairs, Mohammed Javad Zarif, also resigned. Zarif presented his resignation letter to President Mahmud Pazeshkiyan. Pazeshkiyan has not yet responded to Zarif’s resignation letter. Zarif, who served as Iran’s Foreign Minister from 2013 to 2021 and was one of the architects of the 2015 nuclear deal, was appointed as Vice President for Strategic Affairs by President Pazeshkiyan in August. Zarif, who was targeted by ultraconservative groups, had hinted at resigning in August when the government received a vote of confidence in Parliament but later continued his duties.