Abbas Araghchi in political crisis? Lawmakers File Impeachment Motion Against Iran's Foreign Minister — Here's Why

Iran’s latest diplomatic overtures to the United States have drawn criticism from hardliners at home, with lawmakers seeking to impeach Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi over his meetings with US officials in New York.

Ali Khezrian, a member of Iran’s parliament’s national security and foreign policy committee, said on Thursday that the impeachment motion against Araghchi had been formally submitted, Iranian media reported. He claimed that the Secretary of State had dealt with US officials without obtaining the necessary approval.

“Members of parliament have registered the impeachment of Araghchi and are seeking to do so,” Khezrian said, according to reports. He added that the foreign minister would have to appear before parliament and give an explanation after his return from New York. According to Khezrian, Araghchi should also clarify “on what basis this conversation with the American side took place.”

A report published by Iran’s Tasnim News Agency claimed that Araghchi’s interaction with United States Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff took place without coordination with or approval of relevant political and responsible bodies, including the Supreme National Security Council.

“Some claims that this action was coordinated are false. Araqchi must answer to the relevant authorities and the people of Iran for this wrong action that is against national interests and explain how he made this big mistake by calculation,” the report said.

(This is a developing story. More to come)