Iran’s parliament has approved President Masoud Pezeshkian’s cabinet of 19 ministers, marking the first time in over 20 years that all officials have passed through the body. The cross-factional cabinet, reflecting Pezeshkian’s focus on consensus, includes reformist figures like Health Minister Mohammadreza Zafarqandi. This move is in stark contrast to former President Ebrahim Raisi’s hardline team. The approval process was not a mere formality, as one minister proposed by Raisi in 2021 lost the confidence vote due to lack of experience. Pezeshkian emphasized unity and solidarity as he addressed parliamentarians to secure the approval of his officials, a process that began on Saturday.
Former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, a prominent figure who supported Pezeshkian in the election, later resigned as a vice president over the cabinet selections. Notably, Farzaneh Sadeq became the second female cabinet minister since the establishment of the Islamic republic in 1979. The cabinet includes Mohsen Paknejad as Minister of Oil and Abbas Araqchi as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Araqchi, known for his role in negotiating the 2015 nuclear agreement, faced skepticism from some parliamentarians but ultimately secured 247 votes for his approval.
The approval of Pezeshkian’s cabinet comes amid stalled talks with the US to revive the nuclear accord and lift sanctions. Araqchi emphasized a policy of good neighborliness and negotiations to lift sanctions, prioritizing relations with China, Russia, Africa, and Latin America. He also raised the possibility of prioritizing Europe if its behavior changed, while emphasizing a focus on managing conflicts with the US. The approval of this diverse cabinet signals a new direction for Iran’s foreign policy and a shift towards consensus building within the government.
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