Iran’s Majlis (parliament) energy committee is to review President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s proposal for the commerce minister to take over as the country’s petroleum minister.

Ahmadinejad wants Commerce Minister Massoud Mirkazemi to take on the role, according to the official news agency Irna.

The majlis will vote on the appointment on 30 August.

Incumbent Gholamhossein Nozari is not on the shortlist, according to Irna (MEED 5:8:09).

In addition to Mirkazemi, the shortlist includes Seifollah Jashnsaz, managing director of the National Iranian Oil Company; and Industry & Mines Minister Ali Akbar Mehrabian.

The omission of Nozari follows Tehran’s unexpected move in June to dismiss the deputy petroleum minister, Akbar Torkan (MEED 23:6:09).

Nozari became petroleum minister in November 2007 replacing Kazem Vaziri-Hamaneh, who was dismissed in August 2007.

When Ahmadinejad came to power in late 2005, the Majlis rejected three of his nominees for the crucial portfolio, saying they lacked relevant experience.