Iran's new president, Masoud Behzishiann, has appointed Mohammad Reza Aref as the first vice president in a presidential decree. The decree stated: "Based on Article 124 of the Constitution, and considering your competence and valuable experience in administration and execution, I appoint you as the first vice president." Behzishiann added: "Our shared charter is a document of prospects, general policies, and the seventh five-year plan, which must be vigorously placed on the agenda, attracting participation and cooperation from all and utilizing all potentials and capabilities."
Notably, Mohammad Reza Aref previously served as the first vice president under former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami from 2001 to 2005. He has held various positions, including being a representative for Tehran in the tenth parliament and serving as the president of Tehran University from 1994 to 1997. He is currently a permanent member of the Academy of Sciences of the Islamic Republic of Iran and has been a member of the Expediency Discernment Council since March 25, 2001.
A ceremony for the inauguration of President Masoud Behzishiann was held earlier on Saturday, with the ratification of his presidency by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the presence of high-ranking political and military officials and foreign ambassadors. Behzishiann is set to take the oath of office on Tuesday in the parliament, with attendance from the leaders of the legislative and judicial branches and several leaders of participating foreign delegations. The new Iranian president won in early elections held following the death of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash last May.
