Iran Press/Iran news: Latest reports from the Majlis indicate that over 150 MPs have signed the petition, calling on Mohammad Javad Zarif to remain as Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic.
Zarif resignation possibly related to FATF rejection
Asked whether Zarif's resignation might be related to the possibility that FATF will be rejected ultimately, the spokesman for the parliament's national security and foreign policy commission, Najafi Khoshroudi said: "Wild speculation in connection with Zarif's resignation is unhelpful, and whether Iran accedes to the FATF conventions or not, will be decided by a careful process which is currently underway. Either way, whether we join FATF or not, the Foreign Ministry will remain responsible for Iran's foreign policy."
Iran has only one foreign policy
Najafi Khoshroudi added: "Speculation will no doubt continue in foreign and domestic media, and in political circles both here and abroad, about Zarif's abrupt departure from the foreign ministry, but all of us must bear in mind that the Islamic Republic of Iran has only one foreign policy, which is formulated by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, and which is put into practice by diplomats of the Foreign Ministry."
He added: "Different decision-making processes in the country help implementation and advancement of Iran's foreign policy."
The open session of the Majlis was convened on Tuesday morning, 26 February, with 199 MPs attending the session, and the session was chaired by Speaker, Ali Larijani.
Larijani started his speech congratulating the Iranian nation on the auspicious birthday anniversary of Hazrat Fatemeh Zahra (peace be upon her), the daughter of Prophet Mohammad (blessings of God upon him and his progeny). Larijani especially congratulated Iranian women and mothers on the occasion of Mother's Day.
Tuesday's agenda was read out by a senior member of the executive committee of the Majlis (parliament), Seyyed Amir Hussein Ghazizadeh Hashemi.
Tuesday's agenda includes a continuing review of next year's budget bill.
A number of MPs suggested on the floor of the Majlis that the parliament should look into the issue of resignation of the foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif.
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