Hashemi took over as head of the Metro 17 years ago, while his father was president.
He has generally won praise for competence in management while overseeing the country’s largest infrastructure project.
The Majlis, even under control of men not favorable to Rafsanjani, has continued to approve money for the system. But since the 2009 elections, in which Rafsanjani backed Ahmadi-nejad’s opposition, the president has refused to release all the funds approved by the Majlis, slowing construction.
It is widely believed that Ahmadi-nejad’s action is meant as punishment for Rafsanjani’s backing of the opposition. However, that is only speculation. Ahmadi-nejad himself has not commented.
On Friday, Hashemi sent his letter of resignation to Tehran Mayor Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf, saying he hoped his departure would help speed things up.
“Probably some of the current problems and lack of [financial] support are linked to the fact that I hold the position of Tehran Metro CEO,” Hashemi wrote. “Therefore, I am resigning so that passengers using the Metro will not remain under pressure.”
If the frozen funds are now released, it will prove to most Tehranis that Ahmadi-nejad was indeed acting out of spite.