Iranian President Nominates New Cabinet Members

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has proposed a new cabinet, including former nuclear negotiator Abbas Araghchi as foreign minister and Farzaneh Sadegh as roads and housing minister, potentially marking the first female minister in over a decade. This cabinet comes at a time of increased regional tensions, particularly following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, which has heightened fears of retaliation against Israel. Pezeshkian, elected after the death of hardliner Ebrahim Raisi, aims to revive the 2015 nuclear deal and improve international relations while easing domestic social restrictions. The parliament, dominated by hardliners, will review the nominations in the coming weeks, with some lawmakers already expressing opposition to Sadegh's appointment. If confirmed, Sadegh would only be the second woman to hold a ministerial position since the Islamic Republic's establishment in 1979. Araghchi, noted for his diplomatic experience, has publicly condemned Israel following Haniyeh's death, emphasizing the government's stance against perceived aggressions.