Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian put forth Abbas Araghchi, a former nuclear negotiator, as Iran’s potential new foreign minister during a parliamentary session led by Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf. Araghchi played a significant role in the nuclear deal negotiations with world powers in 2015 but his appointment must be approved by the hard-line-dominated chamber within two weeks.
If confirmed, Araghchi’s appointment would place a seasoned diplomat in a key position as Iran seeks to revive the nuclear deal, following the U.S.’s withdrawal from the agreement in 2018 and the subsequent imposition of sanctions. Pezeshkian also nominated Gen. Aziz Nasirzadeh, an F-14 Tomcat pilot, as defense minister in a groundbreaking move, making Nasirzadeh the first air force member to lead the defense ministry.
In a bid to introduce gender diversity into the cabinet, Pezeshkian proposed Farzaneh Sadegh as the roads and housing minister, signaling the potential for Iran’s first female minister in over a decade. However, the acceptance of Sadegh’s nomination remains uncertain due to the hard-line parliament’s inclinations towards imposing strict cultural and social restrictions, especially concerning women.
Pezeshkian further presented Eskandar Momeni for the interior minister post. Momeni, a relatively moderate police general, may bring a different approach to enforcing laws such as the mandatory wearing of the Islamic veil on women, a practice that has sparked protests in the country following the tragic death of Mahsa Amini in police custody in 2022.
In a move to maintain continuity, the president proposed keeping current Intelligence Minister Ismail Khatib and Justice Minister Amin Hossein Rahimi. Additionally, the nomination of Mohsen Paknejad, a former deputy oil minister, as the oil minister suggests a blend of experience and potential new perspectives within the cabinet.
President Pezeshkian’s proposed cabinet signals a potential shift towards more moderate policies, with aims to ease enforcement of certain laws, improve relations with the West, and prioritize a return to the nuclear accord. However, the president may face challenges navigating the hard-line-dominated parliament, known for its conservative stance, which largely backed opposing candidates in the recent election.
