The broad backing was somewhat stronger than many in Iran had expected because even some of the president’s fellow conservatives had criticized him for nominating people they called unqualified. Ahmadinejad is also under fire for the abuse of protesters detained following the disputed June presidential election, which the opposition says he stole with massive vote fraud.
Analysts said parliament’s strong support could indicate that despite differences among conservatives, they believe it is better to present a fairly united front as Iran faces possible harsher international sanctions over its nuclear program and continued pressure from reformists at home.
The most defiant message parliament sent was its overwhelming support for Ahmad Vahidi as defense minister. He is wanted over charges of involvement in the 1994 bombing of the Argentine-Israeli Mutual Association building in Buenos Aires.
Vahidi was the commander of a special unit of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard known as the Quds Force at the time of the attack and is one of five prominent Iranians sought by Argentina in the bombing.
Lawmakers chanted “Allahu Akbar, or “God is great,’’ as parliament speaker Ali Larijani announced the vote for Vahidi. Among the 286 lawmakers who attended, Vahidi received 227 votes - the most of any of the proposed ministers.
Jose Scaliter, vice president of the Argentine-Israeli Mutual Association, told Argentina’s Jewish News Agency yesterday that Vahidi’s approval “is an absolute shame.’’
State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley told reporters yesterday that the United States had been hoping Iran would take a “fresh approach’’ and be willing to engage the world.
“We find today’s action disturbing, and, for Iran, it is sending precisely the wrong message,’’ he said, adding that “Iran is taking a step backward’’ with the appointment of the defense minister.
Crowley added that the United States supports Argentina’s efforts to bring justice to the perpetrators of the bombing.
