Iranian Intelligence Minister Nominee Briefs MPs on Past Activities, Future Plans

“During the past four years at the Intelligence Ministry, we took measures to maintain the independence of the ministry, avoided dependence on (political) parties, and did expert work, (as) some of our main strategies,” Alawi said at an open session of the parliament on Wednesday.

The intelligence activities in the first term were carried out in accordance with Islamic laws and the regulations of the Islamic Republic and would continue to be so in the next four years, he stressed.

Alawi further highlighted the close cooperation among Iranian intelligence and security organizations.

Intensive sessions at the Iranian Parliament for vetting of President Hassan Rouhani’s proposed ministers continued for the second day on Wednesday with arguments for and against the nominee for the post of intelligence minister.

If any of the proposed ministers fails to win a vote of confidence, Rouhani will have up to three months to name a replacement.

President Rouhani submitted the list of his ministers to the Parliament on August 8, four days after his swearing-in ceremony.

The president took the oath of office on August 5. He had two weeks to submit his new cabinet to the parliament, but drew up the shortlist in only four days.