Iran's new nuclear negotiator

Iran's reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian has nominated Abbas Araghchi, a veteran diplomat and former nuclear negotiator, as the new foreign minister amid rising tensions following a suspected Israeli strike in Tehran. Pezeshkian's proposal aims to revive the 2015 nuclear deal and ease economic sanctions that were re-imposed after the U.S. withdrawal in 2018. In a notable move towards gender inclusion, he has also proposed Farzaneh Sadegh as roads and housing minister, which would make her the first female minister in over a decade if approved. However, the hard-line-dominated parliament has historically opposed such nominations, and lawmakers have expressed concern over Sadegh's appointment. Other cabinet nominations include General Aziz Nasirzadeh for defense minister. The parliament will begin vetting the nominees, with confidence votes expected to start on August 17.