In a landmark decision, Abdolkarim Hosseinzadeh, a Kurdish politician, has been appointed as Iran's Vice President for Rural Development and Disadvantaged Areas, making history as the first Kurdish individual to hold such a significant position in the Iranian government. The appointment was officially announced by Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian on the presidential website.

President Pezeshkian emphasized the critical role of rural development in enhancing the country's resilient economy. He highlighted the importance of improving living conditions for rural populations and advancing development indicators in these regions. "This initiative will bolster the country's resilient economy in coordination with executive bodies, under the supervision of the newly appointed vice president," Pezeshkian stated.

Born in 1980 in the Iranian Kurdish city of Naqadeh, Hosseinzadeh holds a master’s degree in urban planning from Tehran University of Science and Technology. He is recognized as a reformist and has previously served as the head of the Citizenship Rights bloc in the Iranian parliament, representing the northwestern cities of Naqadeh and Oshnavieh for two terms since 2012.

Hosseinzadeh's appointment comes amid significant political shifts in Iran, following the tragic death of former President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. Massoud Pezeshkian, who succeeded Raisi, is also a reformist. During his election campaign, Pezeshkian criticized the lack of representation for ethnic and religious minorities, including Kurds, in prominent government positions.

Hosseinzadeh, 44, has been a vocal advocate for the rights of Iran's Sunni minority and has been actively involved in parliamentary efforts to improve the conditions of marginalized communities. His new role as Vice President is seen as a crucial step towards greater inclusion and representation of minorities in Iran's political landscape.