Iran's Parliament Approves President's Cabinet for First Time in 22 Years

— In a significant political development, Iran's hard-line parliament has approved all members of reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian's Cabinet, marking the first time in over two decades that a leader has achieved such unanimous support. This approval is seen as an early victory for Pezeshkian, who ascended to the presidency following the tragic death of his predecessor in a helicopter crash in May. The Cabinet selections reflect a strategy of consensus, appealing to various power centers within Iran's theocratic system. Pezeshkian's Cabinet includes notable figures such as Abbas Araghchi, a seasoned diplomat and member of the 2015 nuclear negotiation team, who has been appointed as foreign minister. His selection is particularly significant as Pezeshkian has expressed intentions to revive the nuclear deal, which faced setbacks after the U.S. withdrawal in 2018. The new defense minister, Aziz Nasirzadeh, received overwhelming support from lawmakers, while the only female minister, Farzaneh Sadegh, also secured a position despite receiving the lowest number of votes. The approval process was not merely a formality; it followed extensive debates in parliament, underscoring the importance of gaining confidence from lawmakers. Pezeshkian emphasized unity and solidarity in his address to parliament, highlighting the need for a collaborative approach in governance. However, the Cabinet's composition has already sparked controversy, as former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif resigned from his vice presidential role in protest over the selections, indicating potential rifts within the reformist camp.