Iran's New Cabinet Aims for Diplomatic Thaw with the West

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has unveiled a new 19-member cabinet, featuring a moderate diplomat as foreign minister and a female official as urban development minister. The announcement, made by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf during a live session, follows Pezeshkian's election last month, succeeding the hardline Ebrahim Raisi, who tragically died in a helicopter crash in May. The cabinet appointments signal a potential shift in Iran's foreign relations, particularly with Western nations. Abbas Araghchi, a seasoned diplomat and former chief negotiator in nuclear talks, has been nominated for the foreign minister position. His experience includes serving as Iran's ambassador to Japan and Finland, and he played a crucial role in the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Meanwhile, the nomination of a female urban development minister marks a significant milestone, as it would make her only the second woman to hold a ministerial role since the Islamic Republic's inception in 1979. The cabinet formation comes amid heightened tensions following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which Iran has attributed to Israel. The international community is urging restraint, fearing that any military response from Iran could escalate into a broader regional conflict. Pezeshkian's administration is expected to prioritize diplomatic engagement and social reforms, while also addressing security concerns. In addition to Araghchi, General Aziz Nasirzadeh has been nominated for the defense ministry, and General Eskandar Momeni is set to lead the interior ministry. Mohsen Paknezhad, an experienced figure in the energy sector, has been appointed as oil minister, further indicating a blend of experienced and moderate leadership in the new cabinet.