TEHRAN – Iranian Parliament (Majlis) on Wednesday approved Mehrdad Bazrpash as the new Transport and Urban Development Minister, Tasnim news agency reported.

As reported, of the 263 MPs present at the session, 187 voted to approve Bazrpash, 64 voted against the nominee, and seven abstained. Five votes were also deemed invalid.

Bazrpash, who was previously the head of the Supreme Audit Court of Iran, replaced Rostam Qasemi who resigned last month due to health issues.

Qasemi resigned on November 22 due to his deteriorating health condition and President Ebrahim Raisi accepted his resignation.

Raisi has expressed appreciation for the efforts made by Qasemi during his tenure in the Ministry of Transport and Urban Development and wished him a speedy recovery from the illness.

President Raisi further expressed hope that his skills and abilities can be used after his full recovery in the future.

EF/MA