The debate over dual nationality among government officials has evolved into a battleground in the ongoing power struggle within Iran’s ruling factions. At the center of the storm is Massoud Pezeshkian’s administration, accused by members of the Jebheh Paydari faction of appointing officials whose family members hold dual nationality, a move they claim violates Iranian law and paves the way for foreign influence.
The appointment of Mohammad Javad Zarif faced a fierce backlash from MPs, including Hamid Rasaee, Mehdi Kuchakzadeh, and Kamran Ghazanfari. Critics, particularly Rasaee, openly called for Zarif’s removal over his children’s dual nationality, warning the president that if he failed to act, parliament would intervene using legal measures. Ghazanfari went further, threatening legal action against the president himself for supporting Zarif’s appointment, even suggesting it could lead to the president’s impeachment.
Despite initial signals from the regime’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, conveyed through his office, suggesting potential flexibility on the contentious legislation, the Jebheh Paydari faction—excluded and sidelined from any role in Pezeshkian’s multi-factional, share-seeking administration—has steadfastly refused to relent.
Parliamentary Outcry
On December 3, Jebheh Paydari representative Qasem Ravanbakhsh slammed Zarif, stating, “The 2021 law bars dual nationals from sensitive roles, yet Zarif not only occupies such a position illegally but also advocates negotiations beyond the nuclear issue, potentially on missiles. Parliament meant to oversee these matters, is kept in the dark about Vienna’s negotiations. Speaker Ghalibaf must demand accountability from the president for violating both the Constitution and parliamentary law.”
MP Hamid Rasaee accused Vice President Aref of violating the law due to his child’s dual nationality, stating on the X platform, “In addition to Zarif, Aref is also legally barred from holding office because of his family’s U.S. citizenship. The law is explicit, and these individuals must step down immediately.”
Adding to the uproar, MP Amirhossein Sabati claimed, “Recent reports indicate that, apart from Zarif, at least three other vice presidents in Pezeshkian’s administration also have family members with dual nationality. The Inspector General’s Office must investigate and put an end to this scandal.”
Zarif: Defiance in the Face of Opposition
Amid mounting pressure, Zarif remains defiant. In comments reported by state media, he dismissed the allegations, emphasizing that his continued service was at President Pezeshkian’s direction: “I prefer not to engage in these discussions. After consulting with President Pezeshkian, I was instructed to continue my work, and I will not be distracted by these issues.”
This defiance has drawn sharp criticism from opponents. Rasaee warned that if Pezeshkian does not act, parliament may use its authority to impeach Zarif. Meanwhile, Speaker Ghalibaf has publicly criticized Zarif’s appointment, suggesting that he should step aside until the legal ambiguities are resolved: “If I were in Zarif’s position, I would tell the president to allow my temporary absence until the parliament resolves the issue. His current role is legally indefensible.”
The controversy underscores a broader political struggle between the executive and legislative branches. The Jebheh Paydari faction culminated in a decisive parliamentary vote against amendments to the law on appointments to sensitive positions, with 207 MPs voting against the proposed changes. These developments reflect a larger weakening of the Supreme Leader’s once-unassailable authority.
A Political and Legal Quagmire
The newspaper Farhikhtegan, affiliated with Ali-Akbar Velayati, an advisor to Khamenei, expressed concern over the ramifications of enforcing the dual nationality law. Despite warning against mishandling the issue and risks such as capital flight from Iran, the paper stated, “The issue of dual nationality has always been a sensitive and controversial topic in Iran, particularly regarding appointments to sensitive positions. It raises concerns about potential misuse or infiltration.”
In its conclusion, Farhikhtegan cautioned the Jebheh Paydari faction: “Factional behavior that amplifies secondary matters instead of solving real problems acts as a barrier to the country’s development and security. If political groups prioritize partisan interests over national concerns, the inevitable casualty will be national strength and sovereignty.”
As the conflict escalates, key questions remain unresolved. Will Pezeshkian’s administration be pushed into submission by the relentless pressure from the Jebheh Paydari faction, or will it seek to involve Supreme Leader Khamenei directly to break the deadlock? Regardless of the outcome, the intensifying power struggle amidst critical domestic, regional, and international crises signals a tumultuous period ahead—not just for Pezeshkian’s government or Jebheh Paydari but for the regime as a whole.
Source » ncr-iran