Iran's New Cross-Factional Cabinet Gains Approval Amid Reforms

Iran's parliament has approved President Masoud Pezeshkian's 19 ministers, forming a cross-factional cabinet. This new cabinet, which includes reformists, notably Health Minister Mohammadreza Zafarqandi, reflects Pezeshkian's focus on consensus. Farzaneh Sadeq becomes the second female cabinet minister since 1979, and Mohsen Paknejad is the new oil minister with plans to increase production.

Iran's parliament has given its approval to President Masoud Pezeshkian's 19 ministerial nominees, creating a cross-factional cabinet that emphasizes consensus and reformist elements.

This marks a shift from former President Ebrahim Raisi's hardline team, with notable inclusions such as Health Minister Mohammadreza Zafarqandi, who secured his position despite receiving the fewest votes at 163.

Farzaneh Sadeq, now the minister of roads and transportation, becomes only the second female cabinet minister in Iran since 1979, while Mohsen Paknejad, the new oil minister, aims to boost oil output to 4 million barrels per day by March 2025.

(With inputs from agencies.)