Thread by @farnazfassihi

My story on the extraordinary Zarif leaked tape:
Revolutionary Guards Corps call the shots, overruling many government decisions and ignoring advice.
Gen. Sulaimani undermined him in many steps from nuclear deal to Syria's war.
His hands are tied

#ظريف

nytimes.com/2021/04/25/wor…

2/ Mr. Zarif’s critics called for his resignation, saying he had threatened Iran’s national security by revealing to the world the country’s inner politics. His supporters said his comments could impact nuclear talks & presidential elections.

3/ “In the Islamic Republic the military field rules,” Mr. Zarif said. “I have sacrificed diplomacy for the military field rather than the field servicing diplomacy.”

4/ Zarif's three hour leaked conversation is part of an oral history project to document Rouhani's tenure. Saeed Leylaz interviewing all ministers.