Iran’s hard-line parliament on Wednesday approved all members of President Masoud Pezeshkian’s Cabinet, marking the first time since 2001 that a leader has achieved such unanimous support.
The endorsement signals an early victory for Pezeshkian, who became president following the death of his predecessor in a helicopter crash in May.
The approval reflects Pezeshkian’s strategy of selecting ministers who appeal to various power centers within Iran’s political structure. He highlighted this unity by sharing a photo online with key figures, including Iran’s judiciary chief and the parliament speaker, both of whom supported his Cabinet.
The new Cabinet includes Abbas Araghchi as foreign minister, a key negotiator of the 2015 nuclear deal, which Pezeshkian aims to revive. Aziz Nasirzadeh, former chief of the air force, was appointed defense minister, receiving 281 votes out of 288.
Health Minister Mohammad Reza Zafarghandi received the fewest votes, while Farzaneh Sadegh, an architect, was confirmed as Housing and Road Minister, becoming the first female minister in over a decade. Ismail Khatib and Amin Hossein Rahimi were also confirmed as Intelligence and Justice Ministers, respectively.
The smooth approval contrasts with the tradition of rejected ministerial nominees, with former reformist President Mohammad Khatami being the last to secure full parliamentary backing in both 1997 and 2001.
The endorsement signals an early victory for Pezeshkian, who became president following the death of his predecessor in a helicopter crash in May.
The approval reflects Pezeshkian’s strategy of selecting ministers who appeal to various power centers within Iran’s political structure. He highlighted this unity by sharing a photo online with key figures, including Iran’s judiciary chief and the parliament speaker, both of whom supported his Cabinet.
The new Cabinet includes Abbas Araghchi as foreign minister, a key negotiator of the 2015 nuclear deal, which Pezeshkian aims to revive. Aziz Nasirzadeh, former chief of the air force, was appointed defense minister, receiving 281 votes out of 288.
Health Minister Mohammad Reza Zafarghandi received the fewest votes, while Farzaneh Sadegh, an architect, was confirmed as Housing and Road Minister, becoming the first female minister in over a decade. Ismail Khatib and Amin Hossein Rahimi were also confirmed as Intelligence and Justice Ministers, respectively.
The smooth approval contrasts with the tradition of rejected ministerial nominees, with former reformist President Mohammad Khatami being the last to secure full parliamentary backing in both 1997 and 2001.
