Iran's ultraconservative President Ebrahim Raisi has said his government will prioritise tackling Covid and accelerating vaccinations ahead of an economic revival, as he defended his cabinet choices before parliament.
The conservative dominated parliament began debating the male-only, largely conservative lineup in the morning ahead of a vote of confidence expected later this week.
“The government's first priority is controlling the coronavirus, improving the health situation and widespread vaccination,” Raisi said.
“The economy and the livelihood situation is the second” priority, he added, noting that his lineup is meant to bring about “justice and progress”.
