Iran's Parliament Approves Entire Cabinet for First Time in Over Two Decades

In a historic move, Iran's hard-line parliament approved all members of reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian's Cabinet. This marks the first time since 2001 that a leader has succeeded in getting all officials through the body. Among the approved officials is career diplomat Abbas Araghchi as foreign minister.

In a momentous session, Iran's hard-line parliament approved all members of reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian's Cabinet on Wednesday. This marks the first time in over two decades that a leader has succeeded in getting all of his officials through the legislative body.

The vote saw 19 officials receive approval, a historic feat last achieved in 2001. Career diplomat Abbas Araghchi, 61, who played a key role in Iran's 2015 nuclear deal negotiations, will serve as the new foreign minister.

The new defense minister, Aziz Nasirzadeh, garnered the most support with 281 out of 288 votes, while Health Minister Mohammad Reza Zafarghandi received the fewest at 163 votes. Notably, Farzaneh Sadegh, the only female minister, secured 231 votes, becoming the first female minister in Iran in over a decade.