A news website in Iran, close to the reformist faction of the establishment, reports that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has expressed his disagreement with Mohammad Javad Zarif’s resignation from the post of foreign minister.

Zarif announced his resignation on February 25. Indications point to constant attacks by hardliners on Zarif and the interference of individuals and organs outside the foreign ministry in foreign relations of Iran as reasons for his decision.

President Hassan Rouhani has expressed his support for Zarif but has so far not officially rejected his resignation.

The Emtedad news website quoting “an informed source” reported that “A very senior official of the regime has sent a short text to Zarif advising that his resignation is not in the interest of the country”.

“Very senior official” is a term used by the media in Iran that means the Supreme Leader.

Emtedad also quotes its source as saying that president Rouhani also clearly opposes Zarif’s resignation.