Iranian President defends his cabinet selection before Parliament

The Iranian parliament kicked off days-long debate to assess the qualifications of Cabinet ministers proposed by new President Masoud Pezeshkian. The Iranian President defends his cabinet list before the parliament. The proposed list drew criticism from some among Iran's reformist camp, including over the inclusion of conservatives from the government of late president Ebrahim Raisi.

The new cabinet includes three ministers from former President’s administration, and several nominees are taking ministerial roles for the first time. Notably, a woman has been proposed for a ministerial position for the first time in over 13 years, being considered for the role of Minister of Road and Urban Development.