Iran gets first vice president under Masoud Pezeshkian

Mohammad Reza Aref, a 73-year-old reformist politician, has been appointed the first vice-president by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Aref previously served in the same role during Mohammad Khatami's administration and was a member of the Iranian parliament representing Tehran. He is currently a member of the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution and the Expediency Council, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

This appointment follows the formal endorsement of Masoud Pezeshkian as Iran’s new president by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. In a ceremony broadcast live on state television on July 28, Ayatollah Khamenei gave his official approval for Pezeshkian, who won the second round of the presidential vote on July 5.

Background information

Mohammad Reza Aref is a prominent reformist figure in Iranian politics. His previous tenure as the first vice president under President Khatami saw significant efforts towards reform and modernization.

His appointment in the 14th Iranian government indicates a continued focus on reformist policies under President Pezeshkian’s administration. Aref’s involvement in key councils, such as the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution and the Expediency Council, highlights his influential role in shaping Iran's political and cultural landscape.