The year 2025 did not begin successfully for Iran's political life. The first months of the year were marked by turmoil and political clashes in the country. Rising tensions in politics, the removal of key figures from office and impeachments, as well as increased public dissatisfaction, reveal deep cracks in the state system.
The resignation of Iran's Vice President and prominent reformist Mohammad Javad Zarif, the impeachment of Economy Minister Abdolnaser Hemmati, as well as the mysterious assassination of two high-ranking judges in Tehran's Supreme Court, indicate the severity of the internal crisis.
All of these events are not only the end of individual political careers but also important moments that shape Iran's future political landscape. It is also necessary to include the public's dissatisfaction in this list. Moreover, the public is not only expressing discontent over economic issues. The large-scale protests held in Tehran and other major cities during the 46th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in February, and the government's harsh response to these protests, demonstrate that tensions in society have reached a peak.
In addition, the murder that took place in the Supreme Court clearly reveals the fragmentation within the government. The shooting of judges Ali Razini and Mohammad Moghiseh, who were involved in the heavy punishment of political prisoners - by a court official, followed by the assassin's immediate suicide, suggests that this was not a random incident. Some political observers interpret this as the result of internal strife and a struggle for power within the government.
Economic difficulties, political crises, and the power struggle further raise questions about Iran's future fate. The government of Masoud Pezeshkian is already facing serious pressure, eliminating reformist figures, dominated by hardliners, one by one. Although the authority is attempting to suppress these protests and internal conflicts through force, the ongoing public dissatisfaction and changes in the political scene make the onset of a new era in the country inevitable.
What lies behind the impeachments and resignations?
Iran's Vice President for Strategic Affairs, Mohammad Javad Zarif, announced his resignation on March 3. This can be considered a significant event with serious implications for both domestic policy and for Iran's foreign relations. Zarif's resignation was, in fact, the result of deepening confrontations within Iran's political system in recent years. Zarif, who once signed the nuclear deal with the West and tried to soften Iran's diplomacy, had a pro-Western stance that was not well received within the country.
On March 2, Iran's Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance, Abdolnaser Hemmati, was impeached in Parliament. This event is not only the result of the economic crisis but also a part of the ongoing political power struggle in the country. Hemmati's removal is a clear expression of an attempt by Iran's hardline supporters to strengthen their control over the reformist government.
Who is Abdolnaser Hemmati?
Abdolnaser Hemmati is a prominent Iranian economist, banker, and politician. He served as the governor of the Central Bank of Iran from 2018 to 2021 and was a presidential candidate in 2021. In 2024, he was appointed as the Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance in the Masoud Pezeshkian government. On March 2 of this year, the Iranian parliament impeached him.
The Death of Raisi
Researcher Mohammad Rahmanifar, in a statement to APA, assessed the current Iranian government as a failed government: "Pezeshkian had submitted his candidacy for the position of Tabriz's Member of Parliament six months before he became a presidential candidate. His candidacy was rejected by the Guardian Council. How could this happen, six months before, a person was not granted the power to be an MP from one city, but Khamenei himself mentions his name. Another thing is that Khamenei does not just mention anyone’s name lightly. In such a situation, Pezeshkian became president of Iran with Khamenei's support... Iran could predict the results of the U.S. presidential elections, they saw that Trump could win. They also saw that people like Amir Abdollahian (Iran's former foreign minister, who died in a helicopter crash - ed.) and Raisi wouldn't be able to do anything against Trump. People like Pezeşkian, Zarif, and Araghchi would be needed. This is the main reason they made Pezeşkian president."
Who is Zarif?
Mohammad Javad Zarif is one of Iran's well-known diplomats. He served as Iran's foreign minister from 2013 to 2021. He was one of the key architects of the 2015 Nuclear Deal (JCPOA) signed between Iran and world countries. His diplomatic approach to foreign policy, especially his openness to discussions with the West, has sparked debates within Iran. After Ebrahim Raisi was elected president in 2021, the influence of hardline supporters increased, and reformists were pushed to the background. However, with Masoud Pezeshkian's election as president in 2024, Zarif was brought back into a high position. He was appointed as the Vice President for Strategic Affairs in the Pezeshkian government and became a key figure in several foreign policy matters.
Mohammad Rahmanifar says that Iran did not expect Trump to take such a harsh stance towards Tehran: "They thought that if they chose soft figures like Pezeshkian and Zarif and smiled a little, they could avoid the danger. But it didn't turn out the way they thought. In the recent days, Trump has made very severe and harsh statements against Iran, and has set very difficult conditions. When they put all these things together, they realized that Pezeshkian's cabinet wouldn't be able to do anything either."
Pezeshkian touched on an interesting point in his speech a few days ago. He said, "We wanted to negotiate with America, have talks, but the Leader said 'Do not talk,' so we didn’t."
"The impeachment of the Minister of Economy and the resignation of Zarif should be evaluated within this context."
According to Mohammad Rahmanifar, Pezeshkian came to office with slogans about engaging in dialogue with the U.S. and the Western world in foreign policy, and defending the rights of non-Persians in domestic policy.
"However, two weeks ago, the proposal for teaching non-Persian literature in schools was rejected in the Majlis (Parliament)."
Hardliners in Iran
In Iran, hardline supporters (conservatives) are political and military forces that support the theocratic structure of the Islamic Republic, advocate for strengthening religious authority, and take a firm stance against the West. They control the country's key political institutions, economy, and security apparatus. They oppose reforms and the improvement of relations with the West, striving to preserve Iran's theocratic system.
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