DUBAI: Iran’s parliament approved President Masoud Pezeshkian’s 19-member cabinet on Wednesday, as reported by state media, marking the formation of a cross-factional government aimed at fostering consensus after days of deliberation.
Abbas Araqchi was confirmed as the Minister of Foreign Affairs with 247 votes, successfully persuading lawmakers despite concerns over his pivotal role in negotiating Tehran’s 2015 nuclear deal with six world powers.
During discussions with parliament, Araqchi emphasized his consistent worldview, rooted in his past service with the Revolutionary Guards, and voiced support for a 2020 parliamentary bill that toughened Iran’s nuclear stance.
In his final address to parliament on Sunday, Araqchi reiterated Tehran’s commitment to a policy of good neighborliness and ongoing negotiations to lift sanctions.
“Our foreign policy prioritizes regions such as China, Russia, Africa, Latin America, and East Asia,” Araqchi stated, adding that Europe could become a priority if it altered its “hostile behaviour.” He noted that relations with the US would be guided solely by “conflict management.”
In contrast to the hardline administration of former president Ebrahim Raisi, Pezeshkian’s new cabinet includes reformist figures like Health Minister Mohammadreza Zafarqandi, who secured his position with the lowest vote count of 163.
The approval of the ministerial lineup is not merely a formality. In 2021, one of Raisi’s ministerial nominees, who passed away in a helicopter crash in May, failed to gain confidence due to a lack of experience, necessitating the selection of a replacement.
“The path to our salvation lies in unity and solidarity,” Pezeshkian declared on Wednesday during his speech to the 285 parliamentarians present for the confidence vote, which had been under debate since Saturday.
Farzaneh Sadeq was approved as Minister of Roads and Transportation, becoming only the second female cabinet minister since the Islamic Republic was established in 1979.
Mohsen Paknejad was confirmed as Minister of Oil, having previously served as Deputy Minister of Oil for the Supervision of Hydrocarbon Resources from 2018 to 2021.