Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi has named Behrouz Kamalvandi as his new deputy for administrative and financial affairs, Press TV reported. He replaces Mohammad Sharif Malekzadeh, whose nomination sparked controversy and drew criticism from senior Iranian officials.
Salehi's pick comes amid an uproar over his earlier nomination of Malekzadeh as his deputy. This move drew sharp criticism from Iran's Intelligence Ministry, which called on Salehi to swiftly dismiss Malekzadeh, citing his criminal record.
On Tuesday, 33 Iranian lawmakers submitted an impeachment draft for Salehi, under which the foreign minister would have to defend himself at the Parliament (Majlis) over his decision.
Meanwhile, Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani, however, has made it clear that the impeachment effort will go forward as planned unless legislators move to withdraw their impeachment motion against Salehi.
