Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has put forward a list of proposed ministers to the parliament, including former nuclear negotiator Abbas Araghchi as the new foreign minister. Araghchi, known for his role in the 2015 nuclear deal negotiations, is being considered for the position amid efforts to revive the agreement following the U.S. withdrawal in 2018.
Additionally, Pezeshkian has nominated Gen. Aziz Nasirzadeh, a former chief of the Iranian Air Force, as defense minister. If appointed, Nasirzadeh would be the first air force member to lead the defense ministry in Iran.
Notably, Pezeshkian has proposed Farzaneh Sadegh as the roads and housing minister, potentially making her the first female minister in over a decade. However, her approval remains uncertain as some lawmakers have expressed opposition due to cultural and social restrictions on women.
In a move towards gender equality, Pezeshkian also appointed Zahra Behrouz Azar as vice president in charge of women's and family affairs. This follows the historical appointment of Marzieh Vahid Dastgerdi as health minister in 2009, the only female minister approved by parliament since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
The president's proposed cabinet includes Eskandar Momeni as interior minister, with a focus on potentially easing enforcement of the Islamic veil law on women. This aligns with Pezeshkian's vision for improved relations with the West and a return to the nuclear accord.
Despite his agenda, Pezeshkian may face challenges in passing legislation, given the dominance of hard-liners in the parliament who supported other candidates in the recent presidential election. The president also aims to retain key ministers, such as Intelligence Minister Ismail Khatib and Justice Minister Amin Hossein Rahimi, signaling continuity in certain government positions.
Overall, Pezeshkian's proposed cabinet reflects a mix of experienced officials and potential trailblazers, setting the stage for significant developments in Iran's political landscape.
