On Wednesday, Iran’s parliament approved President Masoud Pezeshkian’s proposed cabinet, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. The approval process culminated with Abbas Araqchi being confirmed as the new Minister of Foreign Affairs, securing 247 votes from the 285 parliamentarians present. This decision reflects a notable moment in Iranian politics, highlighting Pezeshkian’s emphasis on consensus and cross-factional representation in his administration.
Abbas Araqchi, a seasoned diplomat and key figure in negotiating Iran’s 2015 nuclear agreement with six world powers, faced intense scrutiny during his confirmation process. His approval was closely watched, given his prominent role in past nuclear negotiations and his position within the Revolutionary Guards. During parliamentary deliberations, Araqchi reiterated his commitment to Iran’s foreign policy objectives, which include a strong focus on good neighborliness and ongoing negotiations to lift international sanctions. He also emphasized the prioritization of regions such as China, Russia, Africa, Latin America, and East Asia in Iran’s foreign policy, suggesting that Europe could regain its significance in Iran’s diplomatic considerations if it alters its current stance. Araqchi made it clear that relations with the United States would continue to be managed through a framework of conflict resolution.
Pezeshkian’s cabinet represents a departure from the hardline approach of former President Ebrahim Raisi’s administration. The new cabinet is marked by its blend of conservative and reformist figures, signaling a potential shift in both domestic and international policy. Among the new appointees is Mohammadreza Zafarqandi, who has been named as the Health Minister despite receiving the lowest number of votes at 163. This suggests that while the cabinet is aimed at fostering unity and inclusion, it also reflects a pragmatic approach to governance.
The appointment of Farzaneh Sadeq as Minister of Roads and Transportation is particularly noteworthy, as she becomes only the second female cabinet minister since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979. Her appointment signifies a rare but significant step toward greater gender inclusivity within Iran’s political framework.
Mohsen Paknejad, appointed as Minister of Oil, brings experience from his previous role as deputy minister overseeing hydrocarbon resources from 2018 to 2021. His appointment reflects a continuity in Iran’s oil policy and a focus on leveraging his expertise in managing the country’s vital energy sector.
The approval of the cabinet was not without its challenges. The process of gaining parliamentary confidence has been rigorous, with the recent history illustrating the complexities involved in ministerial approvals. For example, a minister proposed by Raisi in 2021 lost the confidence vote due to a lack of experience, necessitating a revision in the proposed lineup. This underscores the critical role of parliamentary endorsement in shaping Iran’s executive branch.
In his speech following the approval, President Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of unity and solidarity for Iran’s progress. His administration’s focus on cross-factional representation aims to bridge divides and foster a more inclusive political environment. The new cabinet’s composition reflects Pezeshkian’s broader strategy of balancing different political and ideological perspectives, which could play a crucial role in addressing both domestic and international challenges.
As the new cabinet takes shape, its effectiveness will be closely watched, particularly in terms of how it navigates Iran’s complex political and economic landscape. The presence of both reformist and conservative elements within the cabinet could influence the country’s policies and its approach to key issues such as foreign relations, economic management, and social reforms.
Overall, the formation of Pezeshkian’s cabinet marks a significant development in Iranian politics, highlighting a commitment to diverse representation and a potential shift in the country’s governance approach. As the administration begins its work, the impact of these new appointments will become clearer, shaping the future direction of Iran’s domestic and international policies.
