Moderate Araghchi Confirmed As Foreign Min; Could Boost Dialogue w/West

The Iranian parliament has approved Abbas Araghchi as the new foreign minister in an appointment that could see dialogue with the West improve (at least in tone, if not in results). Araghchi served as Iran's chief nuclear negotiator between 2013 and 2021, and was one of the primary architects of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA), the 2015 nuclear deal.

• As Reuters notes, "Araqchi later led Iran's negotiators during multilateral efforts - ultimately unsuccessful - to revive the pact via indirect diplomacy with Washington before he was replaced by hardline Ali Bagheri Kani in 2021."
• Gaining a doctorate from a British university and having served as Ambassador to Japan, Araghchi taking the high-profile foreign ministry could be seen as a signal from President Masoud Pezeshkian of an intention to enhance dialogue with the West and take a less antagonistic tone.
• The US-based Stimson Center think tank writes, "Araghchi’s appointment should be seen as a positive development at a time of high and rising tension in the region. In addition to his long experience in international affairs and nuclear talks, he enjoys robust “revolutionary” credentials that could partially shield him from domestic criticism should Iran make concessions on key issues."
• Middle East Eye: "Araghchi has faced repeated criticism from principlists, also known as hardliners, who argue that he is too flexible in negotiations with the US. Among his critics is the influential Kayhan newspaper, whose editor is appointed by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei."