Iran Appoints First Woman As Foreign Ministry Spokesperson

Iranian President Hasan Rohani

For the first time in the history of the Islamic republic, a woman has been appointed to be spokesperson of Iran's Foreign Ministry.

Marzieh Afkham headed the Foreign Ministry's public relations department under former reformist President Mohammad Khatami.

Earlier this week, Abbas Araghchi, the current spokesman of the Foreign Ministry, said Tehran is also planning to appoint a woman to lead one of its embassies.

President Hassan Rohani, who earlier came under criticism for his all-male cabinet, has already named two women to prominent roles -- one as his vice-president, and the other as his advisor on women's affairs.

Rohani has promised to create opportunities for women and to push for equality.


Based on reporting by AP and ISNA