A senior media adviser in Iran’s government resigned on Friday after mounting disputes over the administration’s communications direction and recent appointments, adding to a growing wave of departures across President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration.
Fayyaz Zahed sent his resignation to the head of the government information council, citing pressure over his public positions and what he described as limits on his ability to express independent views.
“My understanding was that I would be able to maintain my identity and independence in presenting my opinions, but it seems my remarks and occasional writings have caused dissatisfaction,” Zahed said.
Dispute over key appointment
Hours before stepping down, Zahed criticized the appointment of a presidential deputy and head of a strategic energy body. Zahed wrote in a post on X that the decision amounted to a “misstep” and said he felt “ashamed” by it. The post referred to Saghab Esfahani’s senior role under late president Ebrahim Raisi and appeared to challenge President Masoud Pezeshkian’s approach to political inclusion.
Zahed, known in political circles for his ties to the reformist camp, has sharpened his criticism of high-level policies since the 12-day war and the return of UN sanctions.
Pushback against security narratives on Afghans
Zahed also addressed the 12-day war incidents linked to Afghan migrants, arguing that the real influence lies elsewhere. In a political discussion, he said that while some Afghans “may have had a superficial role in recent unrest, the main and organized penetration has taken place at far higher levels.”
He also warned in separate remarks that some voices inside Iran were taking “reckless or treacherous” positions on issues including threats to close the Strait of Hormuz, possible withdrawal from the nuclear treaty, and confrontation with Israel.
Other recent departures
Zahed’s exit follows a string of resignations across the administration. Most prominently, former foreign minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif left the Pezeshkian government after a short tenure as a senior adviser. His resignation marked the highest-level departure since the Pezeshkian administration took office.
Sakineh Pad, a presidential aide for rights and social freedoms affairs, whose mandate had been renewed by Pezeshkian, stepped down last year.
Mohammad-Reza Kalantari, a deputy in the culture ministry, also resigned last year prompting the minister to appoint a replacement. His departure highlighted pressures inside the ministry on cultural policy disputes.
The series of departures from different layers of the government suggests unsettled expectations around Pezeshkian’s promises while maintaining continuity in senior appointments.
