Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s nominee for the oil sector’s top job is expected to face an uphill battle to secure parliamentary approval. Mohsen Paknejad, an oil industry veteran with three decades of experience, presented his plans to the parliament’s energy commission on 11 August. But state news agency ISNA reports that only seven of the 23-member committee were impressed, with MP Gholamreza Dehghan criticising Mr Paknejad’s alleged lack of leadership experience. Other MPs took to social media to criticize the nominee.
To secure the position, Mr Paknejad needs a majority of the 290 MPs. The committee review is a key stage, and failing to win its support would make securing parliamentary support a challenge. The minister will now defend his nomination on the floor of the chamber. Voting begins on 17 August. (CONTINUED - 383 WORDS)
