Iran's President Suggests New Foreign Minister

In a significant political development, Iran's parliament is set to consider a new cabinet, which includes the potential appointment of the country's first female minister in over a decade. The proposed minister, Farzaneh Sadegh, 53, is currently a director in the roads and housing ministry. However, her nomination has faced resistance from lawmakers, raising uncertainty about her approval. The last female minister, Marzieh Vahid Dastgerdi, served as health minister under President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf presented the list of proposed ministers, which also includes veteran diplomat Abbas Araghchi, 61, who was part of the team that negotiated the 2015 nuclear deal. This cabinet would mark a historic moment as it would be the first time an air force member heads the defense ministry. The president has also nominated Mohsen Paknejad as oil minister, indicating a focus on key sectors of the economy. The proposed changes come amid a backdrop of political tension, as the current parliament is dominated by hard-liners who may oppose the president's agenda. Lawmaker Pezeshkian, who has previously criticized strict hijab enforcement, has suggested a desire for more lenient policies and improved relations with the West, including a revival of the nuclear agreement. As the parliament deliberates, the outcome of these nominations could signal a shift in Iran's political landscape, particularly regarding women's representation and the government's approach to social issues.