Iran’s Rouhani chooses leading reformist as deputy
Former industry and mines minister Eshaq Jahangiri named first vice president
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran’s new president appointed a prominent reformist as his top deputy, state-run media reported Monday.
Hasan Rouhani named Eshaq Jahangiri, a former industry and mines minister, as first vice president, according to the report. Jahangiri is a close ally of former reformist president Mohammed Khatami, who is disliked by hardliners.
Iran has several vice presidents, but Jahangiri would be first in line of succession of anything were to happen to Rouhani.
Rouhani, who was primarily supported by reformists and centrists but who pledged to form a non-factional government, has also proposed several conservatives to his Cabinet.
Rouhani won a landslide victory in June presidential elections. He took the oath of office Sunday and sent his proposed Cabinet list to the parliament for a vote of confidence.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.