The story: Masoud Pezeshkian has named veteran Reformist politician Mohammad Reza Aref as his first vice president. The move has raised eyebrows among some of Pezeshkian’s supporters. Those who back the appointment describe Aref as an intelligent pragmatist. But critics say the 72-year-old has achieved little during his long career to merit being named as first vice president for a second time.

Meanwhile, outlining the Iranian state’s foreign policy framework, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has instructed Pezeshkian to focus on developing relations with neighboring states and countries that “have stood by Iran.”

The coverage: Khamenei on July 28 formally endorsed Pezeshkian, granting him presidential powers. The ceremony is...