Critical Discourse Analysis of Dr. Zarif’s Resignation Text

This study aims to conduct a critical discourse analysis of the resignation text of Dr. Mohammad Javad Zarif (published on March 3, 2025) based on Norman Fairclough’s theoretical and methodological framework. The study examines the text through three levels: description, interpretation, and explanation.



At the descriptive level, the analysis of linguistic features demonstrates that the author employs the repetition of first-person pronouns to portray a sense of responsibility, uses service-oriented verbs to describe himself, and attributes positive characteristics to the people, thereby constructing an ethical and responsible self-image.



At the interpretative level, the findings reveal that the text employs the strategy of "agent deletion" to leave the main causes of the resignation ambiguous and avoid direct political confrontation. Meanwhile, by redefining the role of the Judiciary from an "authority issuing an order" to an "advisory institution," the resignation is represented as a voluntary and rational act.



Finally, at the explanatory level, the article concludes that while this discourse seeks to preserve the existing order and manage the crisis, it simultaneously imposes a symbolic cost on the power structure by replacing the sources of legitimacy with God and the people.