TEHRAN – Iran's President-elect, Masoud Pezeshkian, has appointed former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif as the head of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations for the transition period in his first presidential decree. 

The council, comprised of experts and advisors, will focus on assessing potential candidates for key cabinet positions and ensuring a seamless handover of leadership. 

In a message on his X account, Zarif said Pezeshkian has yet to choose candidates for any vice-presidency or ministerial positions. 

"So far, no candidate for any position, including first vice president, has even been considered,” the former top diplomat announced. "The review process will start after receiving proposals from NGOs, scientific associations, trade associations, and the private sector." 

The council is reportedly set to convene meetings with various stakeholders on Saturday to conduct thorough evaluations of potential candidates.

Pezeshkian's office had earlier issued a call for input on cabinet members, inviting a wide range of social groups and political parties to participate in the process. 

Zarif was one of the most prominent reformist figures backing Pezeshkian during his presidential campaign. The former foreign minister became a household name after he brokered the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2015.