Two more Cabinet ministers have resigned as the Rouhani Government struggles to deal with Iran’s economic problems.
Roads and Urban Development Minister Abbas Akhoundi and Industry Minister Mohammad Shariatmadari have quit, replaced by Mohammad Eslami and Reza Rahmani as caretaker ministers.
Akhoundi cited difficulties with urban redevelopment, amid economic constraints, as the main reason for his departure. He also claimed the Rouhani Administration, confronting US sanctions, had violated the principles of the Constitution, respect for the right of ownership, and a competitive market.
The Minister said he had tried to resign on three previous occasions. He survived impeachment attempts by Parliament in February and March.
Shariatmadari also faced impeachment bids through the summer, with hardliners denouncing his oversight of Iran’s automobile industry, among those hindered by sanctions. Talk of impeachment surged again this month.
In August, both the Labour and Economy Ministers were dismissed by Parliament.
The Rouhani Government is facing difficulties with production, investment, trade, employment, and currency amid long-term internal issues and comprehensive US sanctions due from November 5. The International Monetary Fund has replaced its projection of 4% growth in 2018 with a forecast of 1.5% contraction this year and 3.6% in 2019.