In a historic move, Arash Zerehtan Lihony, a Kurdish-Hawrami Sunni politician, has been appointed governor of Iran’s Kurdistan province, marking the first time a Sunni has held such a position since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. This groundbreaking appointment was made by President Masoud Pezeshkian, who has prioritized increasing representation for ethnic and religious minorities in key government roles. Zerehtan, 48, previously served as a member of parliament, and his appointment signifies a shift toward inclusivity in Iran’s predominantly Shiite political landscape.
Historic Appointment of Arash Zerehtan
Arash Zerehtan Hawrami, a Kurdish Sunni politician, has been appointed governor of the western Kurdistan province, becoming the first Sunni Muslim to hold such a position in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The announcement was made by government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani through the IRNA news agency. Zerehtan’s appointment reflects the new president’s commitment to broadening representation for religious and ethnic minorities in key roles.
Pezeshkian’s Commitment to Minority Representation
Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, who took office in July following the death of ultraconservative President Ebrahim Raisi, made minority inclusion a central theme of his campaign. Pezeshkian has been vocal about the underrepresentation of Sunnis and Kurds in government. In August, he appointed Abdolkarim Hosseinzadeh, another Sunni, as one of his vice presidents. Zerehtan’s nomination is another step toward addressing this long-standing issue.
Zerehtan’s Political Background
Zerehtan Hawrami, 48, served as a member of parliament from 2020 to 2024, representing the city of Paveh in Hawraman Region of Iran. His new role as governor is seen as a significant advancement for Sunni Muslims, who make up approximately 10% of Iran’s population but have traditionally been excluded from high-ranking positions in the Shiite-majority country. Alongside Zerehtan’s appointment, Yadollah Rahmani has been named governor general of the Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province.
