Iran’s parliament has rejected President Hassan Rohani’s nominee for the post of science minister, saying he is not fully committed to Islamic values.

The legislature’s rejection of Mahmoud Nili Ahmadabadi came two months after the previous science minister was forced out over what conservatives who dominate the legislature alleged was his support for pro-Western voices at universities.

Rohani nominated Ahmadabadi last month.

The 160-79 vote against him was the latest blow to Rohani, who was elected last year on promises of greater openness and diplomatic engagement with the West but has faced opposition from hard-line conservatives in the Muslim country whose supreme leader is an Islamic cleric.

Rohani’s opponents in parliament have challenged his cabinet nominees and accuse him of proposing candidates who are friendly to the West or back “sedition” against the ruling establishment.

Based on reporting by AP and AFP
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