Iranian MPs have approved the first woman minister in the 30-year history of the Islamic republic.
She was one of 18 nominations for President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s new cabinet to be approved. Two other women were among three rejected nominees.
Also, US President Barack Obama has given Iran until later in September to agree to new talks on its nuclear programme, or face tougher sanctions.
Tehran has said it is ready to present a new package of proposals to the international community, although the details have not been published.