In a groundbreaking move, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has nominated Abbas Araghchi, a former nuclear negotiator, as the country's new foreign minister, signaling a potential revival of the nuclear deal. Additionally, Pezeshkian has proposed the appointment of a woman, Farzaneh Sadegh, as the roads and housing minister, which, if approved, would make her Iran's first female minister in over a decade.

Speaking before the parliament, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf revealed the list of proposed ministers, who will undergo a review of qualifications and a vote of confidence over the next two weeks by the hard-line-dominated chamber.

Araghchi, a 61-year-old career diplomat, played a significant role in the 2015 nuclear deal. After the United States withdrew from the agreement in 2018 and imposed further sanctions on Iran, Pezeshkian campaigned on reviving the deal. This nomination highlights his commitment to re-engaging with the international community on nuclear negotiations.

In another notable appointment, Pezeshkian has named General Aziz Nasirzadeh, an F-14 Tomcat pilot and former chief of the Iranian Air Force, as the defense minister. If confirmed, Nasirzadeh would become the first member of Iran's air force to lead the defense ministry.

However, the proposal for Sadegh, Iran's prospective roads and housing minister, may face challenges as many lawmakers within the hard-line parliament have expressed opposition to her appointment. The parliament, known for seeking stricter cultural and social restrictions on women based on its interpretation of Islamic sharia, had previously approved only one female minister since the revolution in 1979.

Pezeshkian's administration has made notable efforts to include women in key roles. Last week, Zahra Behrouz Azar was appointed as vice president in charge of women's and family affairs. While this position does not require parliamentary approval, it signifies an ongoing push for gender inclusivity in the government.

The proposed cabinet also includes Mohsen Paknejad as the oil minister, previously serving as deputy oil minister. Pezeshkian intends to retain Ismail Khatib as the intelligence minister and Amin Hossein Rahimi as the justice minister. Additionally, Abbas Aliabadi, the current minister of industries, has been named as the energy minister.

However, the composition of Pezeshkian's cabinet has faced some criticism, leading to the resignation of Mohammad Javad Zarif, a vice president in charge of strategic affairs. Zarif expressed his discontent with the cabinet formation via social media, citing unfulfilled promises to include more women, young people, and ethnic groups.

As President Pezeshkian moves forward with his proposed ministers and seeks parliamentary approval, it remains to be seen how his government will navigate the challenges posed by the hard-line-dominated chamber. Nonetheless, the nomination of a female minister and the emphasis on reviving the nuclear deal signify a potential shift in Iran's political landscape.